New Delhi: Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola has revealed Kyle Walker’s wish to leave the club after the defender was left out of the squad that won 8-0 against League Two club Salford City in the FA Cup. Guardiola explained Walker’s absence from the game and said that the City captain had gone to see the club‘s director, Txiki Begiristain, and asked him to be allowed to move abroad during the January window for the ending phase of his career.
It is believed that AC Milan are interested in the 34-year-old who has played for Manchester City for the last seven years after coming from Tottenham in 2017. Guardiola noted that Walker had been the team’s right-back which earlier they didn’t have at their disposal. Guardiola noted that this was the primary reason that he opted for players whose mind was with Man City over Walker.
🚨🎥 Pep Guardiola confirms Walker has asked to leave. 🔵👋🏻 @BeanymanSports pic.twitter.com/Ri6cp2L1JV
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 11, 2025
Walker had almost left the Premier League side for Bayern Munich back in 2023 who had offered him a two-year contract. However, over a private dinner, Guardiola had convinced Walker to stay back. Walker had soon after signed a three-year with the club and was made the captain of the side.
Pep Guardiola on Kyle Walker’s contribution
Last summer, interests from Saudi Arabia had ultimately not materialized and after a poor start to the season, Walker has now lost his place in the starting XI. Guardiola noted that after City’s treble win, Walker had expressed his desire, but the offers failed to match City’s fee demand. Further, Guardiola felt that City’s success was all down to Walker’s amazing performance.
Guardiola maintained that he respected Walker a lot as the team’s fortunes changed after Walker joined the team. The Spanish manager concluded that he is important for both the English team and the City team.
Walker’s decision obviously has picked interests from teams outside England including the US and Saudi Arabia. As Walker turns 35 in May along with his contract running till summer 2026, his transfer fee will be quite acceptable for many clubs. It is to be seen if there are no moves immediately or if City will play Walker while the window remains active. His last appearance for the outfit was as a substitute last weekend during Cty’s 4-1 win against West Ham in the Premier League at the Etihad Stadium.
Pep Guardiola revealed that Manchester City captain Kyle Walker is looking for a departure from the club during the transfer period as AC Milan show interest in the English defender. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
