Pep Guardiola says Kyle Walker will ‘absolutely’ remain Manchester City captain
Kyle Walker will remain Manchester City captain following reports about his private life, says boss Pep Guardiola.
The England defender apologised to his family on Monday after having an extra-marital affair.
The 33-year-old was voted captain by his team-mates after Ilkay Gundogan joined Barcelona in the summer.
Asked if Walker would stay in the role, Guardiola said: “Absolutely, because it’s a decision for the team, not mine.”
The Spaniard added: “I support him and his family and will not talk one word about players’ personal issues.”
Walker has won 14 major trophies, including five Premier League titles, since joining City in 2017.
Guardiola also said striker Erling Haaland is likely to return against Burnley on Wednesday after missing eight weeks with a foot injury.
The Norway forward sustained the injury at Aston Villa on 6 December and it was initially thought he would only be out for a month.
However, further tests showed a minor fracture which kept him on the sidelines.
“He will be selected,” said Guardiola. “For the first time he is back.
“Erling is an important player for us, definitely. He has been out for two months, which is a long time, but he feels good.”
Haaland is level with Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah at the top of the Premier League scoring chart with 14 goals in 15 appearances.
City are attempting to become the first English side to win four successive league titles, as well as securing their sixth under Guardiola.
That would move him level with Aston Villa’s George Ramsay and Liverpool’s Bob Paisley, and leave only Sir Alex Ferguson ahead of him with 13 titles.
When Jurgen Klopp leaves Liverpool at the end of the season, Guardiola will be the longest-serving current top-flight manager.
But, having seen his former player Xavi opt to quit Barcelona in the summer, the City manager is adamant working in England is less stressful than Spain.
“I understand completely,” he said. “We cannot compare the pressure we have in England to Spain. It’s a thousand times higher and tougher there.
“Here it’s a lot of games and six press conferences a week, but the pressure you feel in Barcelona is not comparable.”