Pep Guardiola has revealed Kyle Walker will remain Manchester City captain despite the player's complicated love life.
The right-back has split with wife Annie Kilner, who he's known since they were 17, and has apologised for cheating on her with influencer Lauryn Goodman.
Walker recently spoke to The Sun and fronted up, admitting he was grateful for Guardiola's support.
And the Spaniard, speaking ahead of his side's Premier League clash with Burnley on Wednesday night, has now insisted the defender will remain skipper of his side.
Pep Guardiola says Kyle Walker will remain Man City captain
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Guardiola was tetchy when asked about Walker.
He initially responded to questions over the England international by saying: "No, I'm not going to talk about that."
Guardiola then continued: "No, I'm not going to talk about that. I'll support him and Annie and his family and I won't talk one word about personal issues for the players."
He did, however, say Walker would stay as captain of the team - insisting it was a decision down to his squad, instead of himself.
"Absolutely," he continued. "Because it's a decision for the team, not mine."
City host Burnley at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night looking to continue their mission for a fourth straight Premier League title.
He says Erling Haaland will be available, with the Norway international yet to play for the club since a 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa in December.
Manuel Akanji will also return to the squad, with the defender training following a knee problem.
Guardiola was asked about Xavi, who has confirmed he'll be leaving Barcelona at the end of the season.
The City boss previously coached Xavi during his own time in charge of the Catalan giants.
And Guardiola understands why Xavi is stepping down, with the rough nature of football taking a toll on the Spaniard.
"We cannot compare the pressure in England to Spain, in my experience," he said.
"It's 1,000x tougher there. Six press conferences a week, a lot of games.
"The pressure you feel in Barcelona is not comparable to anywhere else."
But Guardiola himself feels fresh and has no plans to walk away from football any time soon.
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Kyle Walker retains the support of Pep Guardiola at Man City
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"I said many times, I have everything a manager could dream for at City," he said.
"I have everything. The hierarchy support me, the players support me, we have a good environment.
"Still I feel good at Man City and one day it will finish. But I'm not thinking about that right now."
Walker, meanwhile, says he's made 'idiot decisions' as the City defender apologised for betraying Kilner's trust.
He said: “What I’ve done is horrible and I take full responsibility. I made idiot choices and idiot decisions.
Kyle Walker has apologised for betraying the trust of his wife Annie Kilner
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"I can’t begin to think or imagine what Annie is going through. I’ve tried to ask her but there’s pain and hurt.
“The man that’s meant to love, care and be there for her, did this.
“There have been days in this ordeal where I’ve just wanted to curl up in a ball and go to sleep.
“The only person to blame is me. I have roles and responsibilities that I’m aware of and I’ve made stupid choices. But I need to own up to my mistakes — I owe it to everyone.
“My actions have caused a lot of pain to a lot of people. I’m sorry because, as a family, this isn’t meant to happen.”
