Rice, Mahrez react to Kyle Walker’s ‘very happy’ message as Man City exit confirmed
Declan Rice and Riyad Mahrez are among those that have reacted to Kyle Walker’s heartfelt new message following his Man City departure.
Walker has left Man City after eight years at the club following a tough 12 months that saw him join AC Milan on loan in January in a bid to revitalise his career.
Football Insider recently revealed that Walker had no way back at the Etihad Stadium after a falling out with Pep Guardiola prior to his move to Italy.
Milan opted not to sign him after his loan ended, and former Citizens financial adviser Stefan Borson told Football Insider last month that City wanted Walker “out the door” as quickly as possible before returning for pre-season.
Former scout Mick Brown also told Football Insider in June that Everton were among the Premier League clubs considering a move to sign Walker, but he has instead moved to join another north-west based top-flight side this summer.
Walker ‘very happy’ to join Burnley as eight-year City spell comes to an end
The 35-year-old has left City to join Premier League new boys Burnley, in a surprise move, with the Clarets announcing his arrival on Instagram on Saturday (5 July), saying: “We are delighted to confirm the signing of England international Kyle Walker. The experienced defender has put pen to paper on a two-year deal.”
Walker himself has now taken to the social media site to react to the news with a heartfelt message to Burnley supporters, saying: “Very happy to be joining (Burnley). I can’t wait to get back on the pitch playing. Thank you to everyone who’s helped made this move happen. Up the clarets.”
His message was reacted to by a whole host of former club teammates, international teammates and current footballers, with Declan Rice, Riyad Mahrez, Mason Mount, Kieran Trippier, Reece James, Daniel Sturridge and Tijjani Reijnders all leaving likes respectively, while the Clarets’ official account also responded with a comment saying: “Lets go!”
Walker is a stellar signing for Burnley despite his recent drop-off
Football Insider verdict
Walker’s ability to play consistently well at a high level has been questioned in recent times after numerous shaky performances for City last term that caused him to be loaned out.
Despite his struggles, he is still one of the most decorated active players in English football, and his experience and nous cannot be understated when joining a team like Burnley, who will be simply looking to survive relegation in the new campaign.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists | Trophies |
| 410 | 8 | 36 | 6x Premier League winner |
It is a real coup for the Clarets to land Walker, given the fact that he has only ever played for elite clubs since becoming a regular fixture in Tottenham’s starting eleven as a youngster.
It would have been at Spurs where he met and played with current Burnley boss Scott Parker, as well as with England, and so that existing relationship has clearly benefitted the Turf Moor outfit in this instance.
Regardless of his recent struggles, Walker will surely stand out next term as one of Burnley’s best players, and if he can rediscover anything close to the form that has seen him rated as one of the best right-backs in the world over the last eight years, then this could turn out to be the signing of the summer.