For years, Manchester City have found the perfect way to say goodbye to their best players. Sergio Aguero enjoyed a record-breaking end to his career despite an injury-riddled season, Vincent Kompany left after winning every domestic trophy that year and in Ilkay Gundogan's final game before leaving in 2023 he captained them to the Treble.
Kyle Walker, Gundogan's successor, is set for the opposite - an exit that is cheered rather than mourned. The Blues defender has asked sporting director Txiki Begiristain to 'explore his options' for a move abroad, and Pep Guardiola saw fit to leave him out of the squad for their FA Cup romp over Salford City.
The manner of the request, asking to leave during the biggest collective slump in results in the Guardiola era, will further sour Walker's reputation with fans who will be happy to see him go.
He has never really been a popular captain among the fanbase since his appointment in 2023, and things have only worsened over time.
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