After Manchester City’s 8-0 FA Cup thumping of Salford City on Saturday, manager Pep Guardiola stated that captain Kyle Walker had requested to leave the team.
The Spanish manager claimed that Walker had requested to “explore options abroad” and was therefore excluded from Guardiola’s team for the third-round match.
After City won the triple in 2023, the England international was linked to a transfer to Bayern Munich, one of the biggest teams in Germany.
“Two days ago, Kyle asked to explore the options to play abroad and end his career. And for that reason, I preferred playing other players,” Guardiola said.
“He asked two years ago after the treble, Bayern Munich wanted him but the offer was not good enough.”
In 2017, the 34-year-old Walker moved from Tottenham Hotspur to City in a transaction valued at approximately 50 million pounds ($61.02 million).
With 319 appearances, he has helped City win 17 trophies, including their first Champions League and six Premier League titles.
“We cannot understand the success we have had these years without Kyle. It’s impossible,” Guardiola added.
“I still am pretty convinced that there’s no-one in our job that doesn’t want to be where they are who can perform and be exactly what they want to be.
“He asked to explore, it doesn’t mean it’s going to happen because you never know the situation.
“I respect him a lot because I’m more than grateful since he has been many years for us. He’s been important for the national team and important for our team.”
Walker has only made nine Premier League starts this season due to a reduction in playing time, and local media speculate that Saudi Arabia may be his next stop.
