NEW DELHI: Ahead of the Premier League 2025-26 season, Kyle Walker explained his decision to join Burnley and his desire to guide younger players, saying he will try to be a leader on the pitch to mentor the next generation players.
Six-time Premier League champion Walker joined Burnley from Manchester City on a two-year contract earlier this month.
“It’s great. Being part of this project and seeing what Burnley have achieved over the last couple of seasons has been fantastic to watch from the outside. I already know some faces at the club, and I’m excited to get started this season, " Walker said on JioHotstar.
“At this point in my career, I felt I needed something different — a real family club. After spending many years at a great club and a spell overseas, I wanted a place with that special atmosphere. My son trains at the Burnley training ground, and you can really sense the aura there and see the vision the owners have for the club. I wanted to be part of that success and the journey Burnley are on, " he added.
He linked up with Burnley head coach Scott Parker, who he played with during his time at Tottenham Hotspur.
Reflecting on the influence Burnley manager Parker had on his decision to join the club, Walker said, "He’s been a massive influence. The style of football he’s brought—not only here at Burnley but previously at Fulham—was something I admired. But above all, I value him as a person.
"I’ve had the pleasure of sharing a dressing room with him, both at Tottenham and for England, and when someone like that calls and asks you to join his team, it means a lot. I’m grateful for the opportunity he and everyone at the club have given me.”