Rio Ferdinand says Kyle Walker’s 'blood will be boiling' after the England international was left out of Manchester City’s Champions League final line-up against Inter Milan.
The defender was a doubt going into the match but trained with the team on Friday. However, Pep Guardiola decided to field Manu Akanji at right-back with Nathan Ake coming in on the left.
Ferdinand says Walker, who started the 2021 final defeat to Chelsea, will be less than pleased with the decision. He told BT Sport: “He will be absolutely fuming, there is no doubt in my mind.
“He looks quite calm and composed but inside I’d imagine the blood would be boiling. He’s been integral to them getting here, he’s been in big, important games.
ALSO READ: Man City vs Inter LIVE updates
“That game against Real Madrid he was outstanding in both legs. He’ll be disappointed but it’s a squad game and you have to accept it.”
Jolean Lescott added: “I honestly don’t think he will understand it until after - maybe weeks, years - as he’s been such an integral part. We do know Pep picks players based on opposition and I think the way that Inter are gonna set up with two recognised strikers, the abilities of Ake and Akanji will stop that more than Kyle Walker.”
Meanwhile, Cesc Febaregas added: “He dealt with Vinicius extremely well, he’s one of the most powerful defenders you can find in world football right now.
“I think Pep talks a lot about proper defenders nowadays, maybe he sees more Kyle as a defender with potentially mentality going forward? I don’t know. He prefers more defenders that can stay on their feet, proper defenders he calls it, but we’ll see his ideas.”
READ NEXT:
