Manchester City, the dominant force in English football for over a decade, finds itself once again under the Premier League's microscope. This time, however, the allegations are not about intricate financial dealings or sponsorship controversies, but something seemingly more mundane: breaches of kick-off timing regulations. Recent reports confirm that City has been hit with a substantial fine of £1.08 million for delaying kick-offs and re-starts on nine separate occasions during the 2024/25 season. While a million-pound fine might seem like a drop in the ocean for a club of City's financial might, these sanctions underscore a deeper tension within the Premier League – a battle between sporting integrity, commercial interests, and the relentless demands of a global broadcasting behemoth. This isn't merely a trivial matter of punctuality. It speaks to the meticulous choreography of modern football, where every second is accounted for, and every deviation from the schedule has...
Kyle Walker expresses gratitude for Manchester City's 'dream' after signing a loan deal with AC Milan.
The Rossoneri will have the option to buy the right-back in the summer, which means his City career might end after 319 games and seven-and-a-half seasons.
Walker, who was named City captain last season, has missed the club's last four games after requesting to be removed from the squad in order to pursue a move abroad.
And Milan have named him the fourth England international in their squad, joining Fikayo Tomori, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Tammy Abraham, as they attempt to turn around a season in which they are only eighth in Serie A.
Walker has not started a match since the Manchester derby in December, and City has only won two of his starts this season. His departure leaves them without a specialist right-back, with Rico Lewis and Matheus Nunes both playing there, and boss Pep Guardiola is doubtful whether City would recruit a replacement for the 34-year-old.
However, when he reminisced on his City career, Walker stated that he will always be grateful to Guardiola for allowing him to fulfill his aspirations at the Etihad.
Walker, a £50 million transfer from Tottenham in 2017, won six Premier League titles and was a member of the City team that scored 100 points in 2017-18, won all three major domestic trophies the following season, and completed the treble in 2022-23.
He posted on Instagram: "Manchester City… where do I start? Signing with this wonderful club in 2017 was a dream come true. Seven years later, winning 17 trophies, including the Champions League and the infamous treble, is something I could only have imagined as a child. To play among such exceptional players has pushed me to be the best version of myself, and I am really grateful for the opportunity at the Etihad.
"To my teammates, I felt at home the moment I came through the door. Thank you for the wonderful memories and success we've had together. You are both buddies and lifelong family members. Thank you, Pep Guardiola, for believing in me and working hard to bring me here in 2017. Together, we've won 17 titles, and your advice has helped make me into the player I am today. "I will be eternally grateful.
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