Speaking on BT Sport’s Premier League storybook, Kyle Walker has been discussing his relationship with Jordan Henderson.
As a pair of England internationals playing for the biggest rivals in the Premier League, one may expect Henderson and Walker to have something of a unique relationship.
Walker says that he and Henderson go way back, stating that they were actually opponents from the age of seven when they were at the Sheffield United and Sunderland academies respectively.
The full-back says he has a lot of respect for Henderson, but while he is a fan of his England teammate, he says he’d still smash into him in a game against Liverpool if he had to.
Walker respects Henderson
The full-back was asked if the City vs Liverpool rivalry affects the England squad.
“Honestly, I’m not just saying this, it’s not spoken about. Me and Hendo are the oldest ones, and I’ve played with Hendo from the age of seven when he was at Sunderland and I was at Sheffield United.
“There is a bit of rivalry, but the philosophy now when we come to England is that when we come here we wear a different hat. We put our differences aside. If I had to go and smash Hendo in a game as a Manchester City player I’d do it, but would I shake his hand afterwards and say well done? Of course I would, I have that level of respect for him.”
Competitive
What else do you expect from a four-time Premier League champion?
Yes, it’s nice to hear that Henderson and Walker are friends during their time together with England, but when it comes to club level, they’re the greatest of enemies.
You can’t hold any sentiment for your opponents on the pitch when you’re competing at the top level, and that’s exactly how Walker feels about Henderson.
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