By Samuel A. January 12, 2025
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola revealed to the press after Manchester City’s emphatic victory on Saturday that captain Kyle Walker has asked to leave the club. The skipper was left out of City’s squad for the 8-0 FA Cup win over Salford. After the game, Guardiola said: “Two days ago, Kyle asked to explore the options to play abroad at the end of his career. 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.”
Walker has helped City win 17 trophies, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League, since joining the club in 2017 from Tottenham Hotspur. He was close to joining Bayern Munich after City’s treble win in 2023 but signed a contract extension to keep him at the club until 2026.
Guardiola continued: “We cannot understand the success we’ve had these years without Kyle. It’s impossible. He arrived eight years ago with us and we start to win, win, win, win and he has been important for the national team and of course with our team, but he has said he wants to explore in his mind and in his heart and wants to explore it. Honestly? I don’t know what is going to happen.”
The England international has seen his minutes reduced this season, only starting nine games in the Premier League, and 11 in all competitions, and has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia.
