From Manchester City to Milan City, Walker wants to save his career and his marriage

The reporter reported coldly Manchester City, who have been in crisis this season, have not yet finalized any new signings, but they are likely to be the first to lose their captain. British media have reported that in order to save his career, especially his marriage that will break down at any time, the 34-year-old Manchester City captain has decided to leave the team. He turned down an offer from the Saudi league for a huge £400,000 weekly salary, and his first choice was Italy, where he and his wife preferred to live.

Walker had already hosted a farewell party with his family and friends last weekend, with Italian media outlets such as Sport suggesting that AC Milan was Walker's first choice for his next stop, but others thought Inter were equally interested. AC Milan are currently closest to Walker, but due to non-EU quota restrictions, Milan, who are interested in both Walker and Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford, have to choose between two options. It is reported that Ibrahimovic is an important intermediary in Milan's pursuit of Walker, and the Manchester City captain has verbally promised to join Milan and accept a two-and-a-half-year contract with a total annual salary offer of 9 million euros. However, with 18 months left on Walker's contract, he needs to negotiate a free transfer with Manchester City.

Because Milan are struggling to afford Rashford's high salary, and are already considering Sporting Portugal's option B winger Trincon, it is highly likely that Walker will wear the red and black shirt.

When he was a staple at City last season, Walker was out for five games with a hamstring injury, in addition to eight games rested. This season, Walker has been injured for more than a month and his game form is not ideal. He has made just 18 appearances in 30 games so far this season, 11 of which have been starts. After losing the Manchester derby on December 15 last year, Walker completely lost his main position and never started again. He didn't even make the squad for Manchester City's FA Cup clash with Salford last weekend. As an assist-oriented wingback, Walker's average sprints and speed per game have dropped significantly this season, and the number of dribbles per game by opponents has increased significantly, and he is clearly absent-minded.

Walker is in his eighth season with Manchester City, and has won 16 trophies including the Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup, Champions League, Community Shield, Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup. The British media even claimed that Manchester City was not surprised by Walker's voluntary "resignation" and that it would be an "amicable breakup". Because Manchester City don't need players who concede 7.7 goals per game and make as few passes as low as 5.5 per game.

It wasn't just the deteriorating status of the team that made Walker decide to leave, but also the marriage that could break up at any time. Walker has been in love with his wife Anne Kierner for 12 years and has four children, but in 2022 his secret affair with reality TV actress Lauren Goodman, who has even given birth to a pair of children for him. Walker publicly apologized and broke up with his lover, but was later revealed to have sexually assaulted a woman in a bar. Although she was eventually acquitted by the court, Anne filed for divorce with the court in October last year, asking the court to divide Walker's £27 million property.

Previously, the court had ordered Walker to pay his lover Lauren £1.8 million to buy a property for the mother and son, as well as £12,500 a month in child support. These off-court disputes have also directly affected Walker's status on the field. The British media generally believe that Walker's decision to leave the team is mainly due to the desire to save the marriage. The rejection of Saudi Arabia to stay in Europe, especially Italy, is also due to the fact that the wife prefers the way of life in Europe, especially Italy.

Pep Guardiola was not surprised that his captain had left resolutely, and after Manchester City's thrashing of Salford City to qualify for the fourth round of the FA Cup, he even said he knew he would find a suitable replacement: "Of course we are happy if he stays, if he insists on leaving. So be it. Pep Guardiola has included Walker in his squad for the game against Brentford, stressing that he is not concerned about the continued loss of players in an already underperforming defence. First of all, youngster Lewis has squeezed Walker to the bench this season, and John Stones and Akanji can also play at right-back.

Walker has 18 months left on his contract with Manchester City, but his departure is likely to trigger a domino effect. Manchester City have as many as nine players over the age of 30 in their squad, with Ake and Akanji turning 30 in February and July. In addition to Walker, goalkeeper Ederson, Ortega, defender John Stones and midfielder B all have only 18 months left on their contracts, and Gundogan and Kevin De Bruyne are set to expire this summer. Pep Guardiola admits that City's squad iteration will come sooner than expected, with Walker's departure being the first to leave could have a huge psychological impact on the dressing room.