Kyle Walker deserves to be remembered as a Manchester City legend, claims Shaun Wright-Phillips, who adds that the star may be the best right-back England has ever had.
The veteran defender is set to complete a move to AC Milan from the Premier League champions this month, with the club captain headed on loan until the end of the season.
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Walker, who signed from Tottenham Hotspur in 2017, has played a key part in all six domestic title triumphs under Pep Guardiola, as well as their UEFA Champions League win.
But having struggled for form this term, with City themselves in mixed form, he has been frozen out by the Spaniard, and will seek to reignite his prospects in Serie A instead.
Wright-Phillips, who spent two spells at the Etihad Stadium, professed his hope Walker would be remembered as a club legend for his efforts however as he heads for the door.
"To be honest, I never saw this coming," he told Genting Casino. "I don't think many people did. Sometimes when you feel like it's time to move on, it might just be that time for him.
"To me, he would be remembered as a legend, and I think all the other fans and people within and around the club will think exactly the same thing.
"Has he been the best right back in the Premier League era? I'd say over the last three or four years, he has been the best right-back in the league."
At international level, Walker has won 93 caps for England and figured in the squads that made the Euro 2020 and Euro 2024 finals under Sir Gareth Southgate.
He was elected to the Team of the Tournament for both competitions, and Wright-Phillips believes the 34-year-old deserves to be recognised for his Three Lions efforts too.
"I think when he hangs up his boots, we’re talking about quite possibly the best right back that England have had. We've had good right-backs in the past, but none as good as him."