Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Kyle Walker has asked to leave Manchester City and move abroad in the January transfer window.
Walker, City's captain, was absent from the squad on Saturday as Salford City were beaten 8-0 in the third round of the FA Cup. And Guardiola revealed after the match that Walker's absence was due to his request to leave.
“It's not easy for me to say, but Kyle is not here because two days ago he asked to explore the options of playing abroad at the end of his career,” Guardiola said. “He asked about the Treble two years ago, when Bayern wanted him, but the offer was not good enough.
“We can't understand the success we've had these years without Kyle. It's impossible. Having a right-back (like him) has given us something we didn't have and he was great. But now he would like to explore .” , to go to another country, to play (somewhere else) in recent years for many reasons.
“For that reason I prefer to play against other players who are here with their thoughts. Kyle went to Txiki Begiristain. Maybe I'm wrong, but I'm quite convinced that you shouldn't keep anyone who doesn't want to be here.”
“Kyle asked to investigate. That doesn't mean it's going to happen, you never know. I have a lot of respect for him because I'm beyond grateful for what he's done since he arrived here eight years ago. After the first season here we started winning, winning, winning, winning, winning, winning.
“He has been important for the national team, but he said: 'I want to explore it, in my mind and in my heart I want to explore it'. To be honest, I don't know what will happen and that's what I can say. “
Walker has won 17 trophies since joining City from Tottenham for £50 million in 2017, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League. Mirror Football understands that Serie A giants AC Milan are interested in signing Walker.
The 34-year-old has lost his place in the team in recent weeks, having not started a City match since the 2-1 defeat to rivals Manchester United last month. Rico Lewis was selected ahead of Walker in their last four Premier League games and Guardiola admitted this may have played a role in his decision.
“Maybe he's not playing the minutes he's played in the past,” the City boss added. “Rico Lewis is playing very well, and of course the central defenders and Josko. That's what I choose.”
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