Pep Guardiola Refuses to Remove Kyle Walker As Man City Captain Over 'Personal Issues'

Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Kyle Walker will remain as Manchester City captain despite the player's "personal issues" making headline news this week.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Kyle Walker will remain as his captain despite the player's "personal issues" making headline news this week.

In an interview with The Sun newspaper published on Monday, Walker apologized to his pregnant wife, Annie Kilner, after he fathered two children during a long-running affair with model Lauryn Goodman.

England right-back Walker admitted to making "idiot choices and idiot decisions" and added: "The only person to blame is me."

Walker and Kilner have three children together, with a fourth on the way, but the footballer is no longer living in the family home.

Public reaction to Walker's interview included calls for him to be stripped of the City captaincy for being a poor role model.

But when asked on Tuesday if Walker would continue as City skipper, Guardiola told reporters: "Absolutely, because it's a decision for the team, not mine."

Guardiola later added: "I support him and his family and will not talk one word about players' personal issues."

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola pictured (left) hugging Kyle Walker following last week's 1-0 win at Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup :: IMAGO/Colorsport

Walker pictured with wife Annie Kilner and two of their children after England's game against Senegal at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar :: IMAGO/Newscom/David Klein

Walker became City's captain for the 2023/24 season in August after topping a vote among his teammates.

His understudies are Kevin De Bruyne, Rodri, Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva - in that order.

Walker has started in all 20 of City's Premier League matches this season.

He will likely make his 21st EPL appearance of the campaign on Wednesday when City take on Burnley at the Etihad Stadium.

That game is also expected to witness the return of Erling Haaland, who has missed City's last 10 matches with a foot injury.

"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."