Manchester City captain Kyle Walker wants to leave the club, Pep Guardiola has confirmed. AC Milan is interested in reaching an agreement with the club.
The 34-year-old played no part in City’s convincing 8-0 win over League Two promotion candidates Salford City in the third round of the FA Cup, leading to questions about his absence at Guardiola’s post-match press conference.
“Two days ago Kyle asked to explore the possibilities of playing abroad,” confirmed the Spaniard.
“He asked for the treble two years ago, Bayern Munich wanted it, but the offer wasn’t good enough and the club asked how important he was. We can’t understand the success we’ve had these years without Kyle, it’s impossible. He gave us something. We didn’t think he was great, but now he would like to go to another country to play for many reasons.
Guardiola confirmed why Walker didn’t feature against Salford, adding: “For that reason I prefer to play against other players whose thoughts are here.”
Walker still has 18 months left on his City contract and that telegraph report that Milan are interested in bringing the experienced speedster to San Siro. No offer has yet been made to the reigning Premier League champions but Milan are “confident of getting a deal over the finish line”.
There have been no guarantees of a regular starting role for Walker this season, with the emerging Rico Lewis often favored by Guardiola in both the Premier League and Champions League.
Walker enjoyed a hugely successful eight-year spell at City, winning 14 major trophies after his £50million move from Tottenham Hotspur. In addition to winning the club’s first-ever Champions League in 2023, Walker has won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups and the Club World Cup.