Walker joined the Italian side on a six-month loan deal, which includes an option to buy, after requesting to leave Pep Guardiola's team earlier this month [Sky Sports].

The veteran defender has been left out from City's matchday squad for the past four games. His actions have prompted criticism from some fans who branded his departure a "disgrace" given the timing.

Gvardiol, who played a significant role alongside Walker in City's historic fourth consecutive league title last season, took to Instagram to pay tribute to his former teammate. Sharing a training photo of the two, Gvardiol tagged Walker, accompanied by a salute emoji and a blue heart.

Gvardiol has become a crucial figure for Guardiola’s team since his arrival, making 31 appearances this season, with 21 starts in the Premier League this season.

He scored the crucial equaliser against Chelsea on 25 January, helping the Cityzens complete a 3-1 comeback victory at the Etihad.

That was the Croatian's fifth Premier League goal of the season, making him the highest-scoring defender this term.

Walker, on the other hand, made an impressive 319 appearances for City and captained the team to a Premier League title, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and consistency.

Despite the fans’ relationship with him souring over the past few weeks, the former captain still shared an emotional farewell message on social media.

The 34-year-old joins England teammates Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Fikayo Tomori in Milan and could be set to make his debut on January 26 in their home game against Parma.

Gvardiol’s message highlights the camaraderie within the squad, despite the unexpected nature of Walker's move.

Given how instrumental both defenders have been in City's recent success, his farewell isn't surprising. City fans may now closely watch as Walker embarks on the next chapter of his career with AC Milan.

In other news, Man City new signing Abdukodir Khusanov was given the “hardest three minutes of his life” in his debut against Chelsea.

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The post Josko Gvardiol posts send-off message after Man City exit announcement appeared first on Football Insider.