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12th January 2025
09:33am GMT
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Kyle Walker has requested a transfer away from the club.
The Spanish manager was asked about the England right-back during a post-match press conference following his teams thrashing of Salford City in the third round of the FA Cup yesterday.
BREAKING: Pep Guardiola confirms Kyle Walker has asked to leave Man City and "explore options abroad" 🚨🔵 pic.twitter.com/APiGRzFcFE
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 11, 2025
The 34-year-old had been left out of City's squad for Saturday's game at the Etihad, and when questioned on his absence, Guardiola said: "Two days ago, Kyle asked to explore the options to play abroad at the end of his career.
"In his [Walker's] 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 former Spurs defender 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.
Since joining City for a feee of £50m in 2017, Walker has helped them win 17 trophies, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League.
"We cannot understand the success we've had these years without Kyle," Guardiola added. "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."
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