Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that club captain Kyle Walker has asked to leave the Premier League champions in search of a new challenge abroad.
The experienced defender was absent from City’s emphatic 8-0 FA Cup victory over Salford, with Guardiola later explaining the reason behind his omission after the match.
Walker has been a key figure since arriving from Tottenham Hotspur in 2017, helping City win numerous domestic and European trophies. Softfootball understands Guardiola remains grateful for the 34-year-old’s contribution despite the defender’s desire to move on before the end of his career.
Speaking after the victory, Guardiola said:
In his mind, he would like to explore it, to go to another country, to play the last years somewhere else for many reasons. For that reason, I prefer playing other players whose mind is here.
The City boss also praised Walker’s achievements at the club. He added:
We cannot understand the success we’ve had these years without Kyle. It’s impossible.
The defender has been linked with a possible move away during the January transfer window.
