Guardiola confirms Kyle Walker wants to leave club

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that captain Kyle Walker wants to leave the club and play abroad.

Walker, 34, was not included in City's 8-0 FA Cup win over Salford on Saturday.

After the game, Guardiola said: "Walker wants to explore new possibilities in his heart. He wants to go to another country and try something new in the last few years of his career. That's why I prefer to let those players who are fully committed here play."

Since joining Manchester City from Tottenham for £50 million in 2017, Walker has helped the team win 17 trophies, including six Premier League titles and one Champions League.

Although he was close to joining Bayern Munich after Manchester City won the treble in 2023, he ultimately chose to renew his contract until 2026.

Guardiola further said: "Our success over the years is inseparable from Kyle. He came here eight years ago and we started winning games. He is very important for the national team and the club."

"But he now says he's in a place in his heart and spirit to explore new possibilities. Honestly, I don't know what's going to happen next."

As Walker has started only nine games in the Premier League this season, his playing time has been greatly reduced. At the same time, he has also been linked with a move to the Saudi Arabian League.