Kyle Walker ‘hurt’ by Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino’s decision to reveal details of their conversation in a book
The Manchester City defender's version of events that led to him leaving Tottenham differ to the manager's and says he didn't expect him to reveal part of their private conversation in a book
Kyle Walker has explained Mauricio Pochettino's decision to reveal parts of their conversation in a book 'hurt' him, but admits he will be forever indebted to the Tottenham boss.
It was at Spurs where the right-back developed into one of the game's best in his position and, after eight years in London, moved to Manchester City in 2017 for £50million.
Pochettino later explained the only reason the club decided to cash in was because Walker wanted out, though the 28-year-old says this isn't true.
"He told me I wasn't in his plans," he explained in an interview with the , offering his version of events that led to his White Hart Lane exit and adding he wasn't impressed details of their conversations were made public in Brave New World, which was published last year.
"I was hurt a lot by that," he said. "He said his door was always open and I thought it was a private meeting we had. So I kept quiet but then he went and wrote about it... or his version of it.
"If he was going to do that he might as well have called a press conference and told everyone. He told one side of the story, but it's a side of a story I don't agree with.
"He said he had a witness in there, but he didn't tell the correct story, no way. Up until now I have never said my part. I have stayed quiet and showed a level of respect to Tottenham and I always will.
"The manager gave me my chance to showcase my talent. But people don't know the ins and outs of everything and it is about time I told people what happened from my side."
On his time at Tottenham, though, he said tweaks to his lifestyle and parts of his game are all thanks to Pochettino.
"Mauricio was fantastic for me," Walker added. "I was young, needed to improve and he improved me.
"He taught me to look after myself, eat right and rest. I will never forget how much he did."
And in his first season back north, the Sheffield-born ace won the Premier League title and was part of England's back line that fought their way to the World Cup semi-final.
"It will be with me for ever," Walker explained. "It was incredible and the fact we made people fall back in love with England again was probably the biggest reward."
