EPL Index
·11. Januar 2025
EPL Index
·11. Januar 2025
Manchester City’s seasoned defender Kyle Walker has expressed a desire to leave the club, seeking to cap off his illustrious career with an international stint, as disclosed by City manager Pep Guardiola. This revelation follows Walker’s conspicuous absence from City’s resounding 8-0 victory over Salford City in the FA Cup’s third round—a game he was fit to participate in but was ultimately sidelined.
The story unfolded dramatically post-victory when Guardiola shared that Walker had approached him just two days prior, expressing a longing to explore footballing opportunities beyond the English borders. “Two days ago, Kyle asked to explore the options to play abroad at the end of his career,” Guardiola remarked, underlining a conversation that hints at Walker’s aspirations following a trophy-laden tenure at City.
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Since joining Manchester City in 2017, Walker has been instrumental in the club’s domestic dominance, contributing to six Premier League titles. His pace, defensive prowess, and ability to surge forward have become hallmarks of City’s dynamic play under Guardiola. However, despite his successes, including a memorable run to a treble, Walker had previously toyed with the idea of a move, notably attracting interest from Bayern Munich. Yet, past proposals fell short of prising him away from the Etihad Stadium.
Interest in Walker has emerged from the Saudi Pro League, offering him a potential exit route. This interest comes at a time when Walker finds himself increasingly on the periphery of City’s starting lineup, perhaps prompting his January resolution to forge a new path. “But now in his mind he would like to explore to go to another country. For that reason, I prefer to play other players whose mind is here, that’s all,” Guardiola elaborated.