Kyle Walker has hit back at Manchester City fans for what he says is unfair criticism of his captaincy.
Walker, 33, has taken on the armband this season in the absence of Ilkay Gündogan, who joined Barcelona in the summer, and Kevin De Bruyne, who has spent the last three months recovering from hamstring surgery.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)
City haven’t always been at their best during the first half of the campaign and sit fourth in the Premier League table, five points behind leaders Arsenal. Despite playing a key role in the team which won the treble last season, Walker said at times he felt singled out for criticism.
“I’m always going to get heat,” said Walker.
“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. You do see it and I’ve had a lot of criticism from the fans about me being captain and that it’s all my fault.
“We’re a team, we’re in a team game. 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.”
