January 23, 2025
Kyle Walker asked to leave Manchester City – Pep Guardiola

Kyle Walker asked to leave Manchester City – Pep Guardiola

Kyle Walker has asked to leave Manchester City, manager Pep Guardiola has revealed.

The England right-back was not included in City’s squad for Saturday’s 8-0 demolition of League Two Salford in the FA Cup third round at the Etihad Stadium.

Asked about the 34-year-old’s absence, Guardiola said: “Two days ago Kyle asked to explore options to play abroad at the end of his career.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola talks to substitute Kyle Walker (right) on the touchlineManchester City manager Pep Guardiola talks to substitute Kyle Walker (right) on the touchline

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola (middle) says Kyle Walker (right) wants to leave the club (Martin Rickett/PA)

“In his mind, he would like to explore it, go to another country, play the last few years (elsewhere) for many reasons.

“For this reason, I prefer to play against other players whose spirit is here.”

Walker has helped City win 17 trophies, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League, since joining the club in a £45 million move from Tottenham in 2017.

Yet he was set to join Bayern Munich after City’s treble win in 2023 and his performances over the past two seasons have been mixed.

Walker, who signed a contract extension in September 2023 tying him to the club until the summer of 2026, has not started for City since their derby defeat to Manchester United last month.

Guardiola said: “We cannot understand the success we had these years without Kyle. It’s impossible.

“Having a right back (like him) gave us something we didn’t have and he was incredible.

“But he said he wanted, in his mind and in his heart, to explore it.”

Manchester City's John Stones (left), Jack Grealish, Kevin de Bruyne and Kyle Walker (right) with the UEFA Champions League trophy Manchester City's John Stones (left), Jack Grealish, Kevin de Bruyne and Kyle Walker (right) with the UEFA Champions League trophy

Kyle Walker (right) has helped Manchester City win 17 trophies since joining from Spurs in 2017 (Martin Rickett/PA)

It is unclear whether Walker will leave City during this month’s transfer window or not.

After City’s poor run of form was exacerbated by a long injury list towards the end of 2024, Guardiola was hoping to strengthen his squad.

Guardiola said: “I just said ‘explore’. That doesn’t mean it’s going to happen.

“I respect him a lot because I am more than grateful (for what) he did for many years with us. He came in eight years ago and we started winning, winning, winning.

“He was important for the national team and for our team but, honestly, I don’t know what will happen.”

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