Nathan Ake explains the problem Man City will have as Kyle Walker prepares to leave the champions

Manchester City's Nathan Ake has admitted the potential departure of club captain Kyle Walker would be a blow to the team.

Pep Guardiola, the City manager, confirmed that Walker's absence from the team during the 8-0 win over Salford City in the FA Cup was due to his desire to leave after eight years.

Despite being given the chance to join Bayern Munich in 2023 following City's Treble victory, Walker opted to stay and contributed to the club's historic fourth consecutive league title last season. However, with Walker struggling this season, he feels it is time to move on, and Ake has highlighted the importance of the England defender, on and off the pitch.

“He obviously wasn't in the team today and he's 100 percent a club legend,” Ake said. “He is huge for us and has been over the years. This year too he has been an important character in the team.

“He deserves a lot of praise for all the years he has been one of the best players at this club. He is also a good guy and I am very good with him. Let's see what happens, but he is not doing no doubt he was a huge player for us.”

Ake also reflected on City's recent form, noting improvement and the need to maintain our momentum ahead of the next game against Brentford: “I think we are doing better. Every game we are improving. The only thing we have to do now is continue until Tuesday against Brentford.

“Little by little, in each game we will get it back, but there are still things we can improve. The last game too, this game too, but the second half was good. We can always improve .”

Despite a defensively difficult season, exacerbated by major injuries, Ake remains optimistic: “It's been difficult. Every time someone comes back you have to play every game because you don't have many more players.

“It's not easy, but hopefully now things are getting a little bit better, people are coming back and we're in better shape at the back as well, so that's the main thing.”

With the transfer window open, Ake welcomes potential reinforcements: “Of course,” he admitted. “Everyone coming in, the club knows what they are doing. They are trying to help the team and get us back to where we belong. Hopefully if that happens it will be good. Competition always motivates everything the world, for many years at this club now, so everyone is used to it.”