Pep Guardiola reveals Kyle Walker has asked to leave Man City in January

Evening Standard

·11 de enero de 2025

Pep Guardiola reveals Kyle Walker has asked to leave Man City in January

The 34-year-old wants to move abroad for the final stages of his career

The right-back was left out of the squad for the 8-0 FA Cup win over Salford, with the City boss suggesting before the match that it was not a decision enforced by injury or illness.

Walker has instead told the club he wants to move abroad, amid interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia.

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“Two days ago Kyle asked to explore the options to play abroad at the end of his career,” Guardiola said.

“He [first] asked two years ago after the Treble when Bayern wanted him, but the offer was not good enough. I asked him, the club asked him how important is it? We cannot understand the success we had these years without Kyle. It’s impossible. He’s been our right-back, given us something we didn’t have. Been amazing.

“But now in his mind, he would like to explore to go to another country to play the last years, for many reasons. For that reason, I prefer to play other players whose mind is here. That’s all.”

Walker has not started a match since the Manchester derby defeat a month ago, with his involvement limited to three appearances off the bench since then.

Having seemingly fallen behind Rico Lewis in the pecking order at City, the 34-year-old is now eyeing opportunities elsehwere.

“Kyle went to Txiki [Begiristain],” Guardiola said.

“Maybe I am wrong but I am pretty convinced that there is not one person in our jobs that doesn’t want to be where they are that can perform or be exactly what we want to be.

“Explore - it doesn’t mean it’s going to happen because we never know. Explore the situation, the position and I respect a lot. I’m more than grateful what he has done in many years with us since arriving eight years ago.”

Guardiola added: “He said that, ‘I want to explore, with my mind and my heart’. Honestly, I don’t know what’s going to happen.”