‘I feel like crying’ – Kyle Walker gives emotional admission on Tottenham departure
By Russell Edge
Former Tottenham defender Kyle Walker has admitted that it was an “incredibly” difficult decision to leave the club for Manchester City over the summer.
The right back ended an eight year stint with the North London side following his move to the Sky Blues for a fee in excess of £50million, which saw him become the world’s most expensive defender.
The 29-time-capped England international made 229 appearances for the Lilywhites during his time at the club, scoring four times and chipping in with 21 assists.
However, he says that his omission from the side for crucial matches last season was a turning point in his career, although he insists he is still emotional when he thinks back on his departure.
Speaking to the Times, the 27-year-old said: “I’m not going to sit here and lie and say it wasn’t tough. It was very tough. Having spent eight years there, that club is in my heart.
“Those last few months were difficult, though.
“Not starting against Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final or the last North London derby at White Hart Lane or the last game there, against Manchester United, having been there for eight years, that hurt.
“Sometimes I feel like crying when I think about it — that I spent eight years there and I’ll never see that place again. It hurts.
He says that while he had a number of options to choose from when leaving the club, he chose Tottenham’s Premier League rivals City because of the style of football played under Pep Guardiola.
“I couldn’t turn it down. It was football reasons first and foremost,” said Walker.
“If this was a team that booted it long, I wouldn’t have come because it wouldn’t have helped my game.
“After speaking to the gaffer here, knowing the players he was going to bring, I thought this team was going to be a force.”
Walker will get the chance to prove himself against his former club when the two sides meet in Manchester in December, while City’s visit to Tottenham comes towards the end of the season in April.
In other Tottenham news, fans have torn into their star man after his showing against Huddersfield.
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