Kyle Walker spotted with Manchester City stars ahead of Burnley clash
Burnley defender Kyle Walker was photographed dining with his former City teammates as he prepares for a first return to the Etihad
Kyle Walker, Burnley’s 35-year-old right back, was photographed out in Manchester on Saturday night with a group of former Manchester City teammates as they regrouped after City’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal on Sunday. Walker left City this summer after eight seasons and joined newly promoted Burnley for £5 million. He made 319 appearances for City and won 15 major trophies, including six Premier League titles.
Walker’s departure from City came as part of a broader reshuffle under Pep Guardiola, and while he spent last season on loan at AC Milan, he remains well-regarded for his longevity and consistency at the top level. The night out also included fellow City alumnus Manuel Akanji, who left City for Inter Milan this summer, and the group appeared in high spirits as they shared a meal in Manchester.
Walker’s return to the Etihad will come on Sept. 27, when Burnley visit City for the next Premier League fixture. It will mark the first time the 35-year-old has faced his old club since leaving in the off-season. Burnley, under manager Scott Parker, will be aiming to translate his experience into a test for City’s early-season form and to pick up important points on the road.
Walker’s time in Milan drew mixed reviews, with Italian outlets offering a harsh assessment of his spell in Serie A. Tuttosport, among others, suggested that the season in Italy did not elevate his standing, underscoring the sense that the move to Burnley could renew his standing in English football. The English defender has started every one of Burnley’s five league matches this season, and Parker’s group has recorded four points, sitting 16th in the table.
City, meanwhile, sit three points clear of Burnley after five games, having endured two defeats and a late point against Arsenal following Gabriel Martinelli’s stoppage-time equaliser at the Emirates. The upcoming clash will be a test not only of Burnley’s resolve but also of Walker’s ability to leverage his familiar ties with City in a match where memories of his long tenure will be renewed.
