Pep Guardiola makes Man City captaincy decision amid fresh Kyle Walker controversy

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has made a decision on Kyle Walker’s captaincy following a series of recent controversies.

The 33-year-old has been subject to a series of exclusive reports in The Sun newspaper, culminating in the Manchester City and England star providing the outlet with an exclusive interview to address recent private life issues.

Walker, who extended his contract at the Etihad Stadium in September despite being strongly linked with a move to Bayern Munich, admitted that he considered quitting Manchester City to escape the pending hostile public reaction to media coverage of his private life.

The full-back has been at the centre of a number of tabloid exclusives since moving to Manchester City in 2017, and recently issued an apology to his wife after fathering a second child with another woman.

The Englishman was also punished with an out of court disposal by Cheshire Police in March last year, following allegations online that he indecently exposed himself in a bar.

Despite a number of off-field controversies the 33-year-old was elected as Manchester City captain for the 2023/24 campaign following a vote by the first-team squad.

Walker was handed the armband after the departure of midfielder Ilkay Gundogan to Barcelona on a free transfer during the summer, and is also one of the most senior members of Pep Guardiola’s squad.

The England international leads a five-man senior leadership group within the Manchester City squad, with Kevin De Bruyne, Rodri, Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva also selected.

Despite recent claims in the media and calls from some supporters for the full-back to be removed as captain, Guardiola has revealed that Walker will continue to hold the armband for the Sky Blues.

“Absolutely [he will remain as captain], because it’s a decision for the team and not mine,” said the 53-year-old ahead of Wednesday’s Premier League clash with Burnley.

Guardiola refused to comment on the reports however, saying: “I support him and his family. I don’t talk about personal things.”