Kyle Walker recently inked a contract extension with Manchester City, but it was the club’s announcement video on social media that truly stole the spotlight.
To appreciate the brilliance of this video, a bit of context is essential. After six successful years with Manchester City, speculation swirled around Kyle Walker’s potential departure in the summer.
Bayern Munich emerged as the frontrunner to secure the services of the right-back. Walker’s previous contract was set to expire in 2024, making him an attractive prospect for the German champions. However, the deal hit a roadblock due to disagreements over personal terms.
As the new season kicked off, fresh speculations arose that Walker might depart as a free agent the following summer. Surprisingly, the Englishman opted for a different path by signing a two-year extension with Manchester City. The club unveiled this news in a fashion that paid homage to a beloved scene from Leonardo DiCaprio‘s movie, “The Wolf of Wall Street.”
In the $406 Million film, DiCaprio’s character faced the prospect of leaving his company amidst a CBI investigation. To announce his decision, he approached his employees but, at the last moment, had a change of heart. DiCaprio’s character famously exclaimed, “I am not leaving,” a moment that has become an enduring meme.
I’m not leaving! 💪 pic.twitter.com/kVwGkOz7i9
— Manchester City (@ManCity) September 14, 2023
Manchester City ingeniously recreated this scene, with Walker stepping into DiCaprio’s character, and incorporated snippets of the club’s players celebrating in response to Walker’s announcement, as he echoed the iconic line, “I am not leaving.”
The video garnered viral attention for its clever and well-executed blend of Leonardo DiCaprio’s meme-worthy character and Kyle Walker, resulting in a fun and engaging piece of content that delighted fans.
Micah Richards says that Kyle Walker is the greatest-ever English right-back
Micah Richards, the former English right-back of Manchester City, has bestowed high praise upon Kyle Walker, declaring him the greatest-ever English right-back.
Richards conveyed this sentiment during an episode of the ‘The Rest is Football’ podcast, which he co-hosts alongside Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer. In his assessment, Richards highlighted Walker’s exceptional attributes, such as his blistering pace, while also acknowledging the versatility he has incorporated into his game since Pep Guardiola assumed leadership at Manchester City.
Walker’s evolution has seen him adapt to various roles, from being a part of a back three to operating as a conventional right-back. Along this journey, he has accumulated a remarkable collection of trophies.
Kyle Walker signs a new Manchester City contract, keeping him at the club until 2026 ✍️ pic.twitter.com/tmm54QaNq1
— B/R Football (@brfootball) September 14, 2023
Richards boldly asserted that Walker has surpassed the illustrious Gary Neville, contending that Walker’s trophy cabinet speaks for itself. Notably, Walker has achieved the coveted Treble, a feat that bolsters his status as an exceptional talent capable of excelling in any era.
Since his arrival at Manchester City in the summer of 2017, Walker has featured in 236 matches, contributing to 24 goals and assists during his tenure at the club. Impressively, he has been part of 91 clean sheets, constituting 39% of his starts. Walker boasts an average of 66.6 passes per match, with an accuracy rate of 89.1%, and amasses a total of 93 touches per game.
Furthermore, the England right-back has celebrated the triumph of 15 major trophies as an integral member of Pep Guardiola’s squad since joining the Etihad Stadium fold in 2017.