20 December 2023 , 22:30
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Kyle Walker has told Manchester City’s fans that he will not be the scapegoat for the club’s problems.
The City captain is aware that some supporters are pointing the finger of blame at him after Pep Guardiola handed him the skipper’s armband last summer.
The champions have struggled to hit their usual heights after winning the Treble - and Walker feels he is carrying the can.
But the England full-back warned that he will keep coming back for more as the Blues look to add the Club World Cup to the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup and European Super Cup in Saudi Arabia.
Walker said: “I’m always going to get heat. If I’m not doing something right I’m always going to get scrutinised. That’s been my whole career - but it gives me the fire to keep going.
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“I’ve had a lot of criticism from the fans about me being captain - and that it’s all my fault. I feel being one of the most experienced players and the captain, I’m going to have to take that burden. It’s something I’m going to have to carry on my shoulders.”
Walker’s parents have been keeping their son informed of the criticism being aimed at him by some Etihad fans. Reminded that he was being spoken about as the best right-back in the world last season, he added: “Exactly! There you go!
Kyle Walker has said he is using the criticism he has facing as motivation to help turn Man City's form around"I am getting sent it. I’ve got a mum and dad that care about me. They care about me and when their son is getting hammered. I just feel in football it’s fickle, people have short memories.
“I remember going home in the car after one game. Jeremy (Doku) has come in, been on fire, and all of a sudden it’s ‘ Jack Grealish should be out.’
“Then all of a sudden, Jack scores and it’s ‘keep him in the club’. It is what it is. It gives me motivation. Keep hammering me and I will just keep coming back.”