Pep Guardiola has made a sensational announcement that Kyle Walker has asked to leave Manchester City.
The Citizens legend was absent from his side’s 8-0 FA Cup win over Salford City. The club initially said he was not injured and called it a “technical problem.”
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But Guardiola fully clarified the situation after the game when he revealed: “Well, it’s not easy for me to say that because Kyle isn’t here.”
“But two days ago Kyle asked to explore the possibility of playing overseas and ending his career.”
“He asked for a trip two years ago, Bayern Munich wanted him, but the offer wasn’t good enough. I asked.” [told] he and the club asked him how important he was.
“We cannot understand the success we have had these years without Kyle, it is impossible.”
“He’s been our right back and gives us something we didn’t have and he’s been great.”
“But now in his mind he wants to explore and play in another country, and for many reasons.”
He added: “For this reason I prefer to play against other players whose minds are here.”
“He went to the club, he went to Txiki [Begiristain] But of course I may be wrong, but there is not one person in our job, no matter what job, who, if they don’t want to be where they are, can still perform and be exactly who they are want.
“He asked to explore it and that doesn’t mean it will happen because we never know, but we support the situation, the position and I respect it very much because I am more than grateful for that, what he has done for us in these many years since my arrival eight years ago.
“In the seasons he was here we started winning, winning, winning, winning, he was important for the national team, important for our team, but he said I want to explore my mind and my heart, and I want to explore it.”
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“Honestly I don’t know if it will happen but that’s all I can say.
The Pitch Prospect understands the England international is a target for Saudi Pro League clubs.
Walker admitted he was close to leaving City in 2023 to link up with Three Lions teammate Harry Kane at Bayern Munich.
The full-back moved to City from Tottenham for £45million in 2017 and has since proven he is worth every penny.
With the club he has won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups and the Holy Grail of the Champions League in 2023.
More to follow…