Manchester City captain Kyle Walker wants to leave the club, Pep Guardiola has confirmed, with AC Milan interested in agreeing a deal.
The 34-year-old did not participate Strong victory for City by 8-0 on League Two promotion hopefuls Salford City in the FA Cup third round, which has led to questions about his absence from Guardiola’s post-match press conference.
“Two days ago Kyle asked to explore the options to play abroad,” the Spaniard confirmed.
“He asked two years ago after the Treble, Bayern Munich he wanted him but the offer wasn’t good enough and the club asked him how important he was. We can’t fathom the success we’ve had these years without Kyle, it’s impossible. He gave us something that we didn’t have, it’s been amazing, but now in his mind he would like to explore going to another country to play the last few years for many reasons. “
Confirming why Walker did not play against Salford, Guardiola added: “That’s why I prefer to play with other players with the mind here.”
Walker has 18 months left on his contract with City and the telegraph reports that Milan are interested in bringing the veteran sprinter to the San Siro. An offer has yet to be submitted to the reigning Premier League champions, but Milan are “confident of getting a deal over the line”.
There have been no guarantees for Walker this season in terms of a regular starting role, with the emerging Rico Lewis often preferred by Guardiola in both the Premier League and Champions League.
Walker has enjoyed a highly successful eight-year spell at citywinning 14 major trophies after joining from Tottenham Hotspur in a £50m deal. As well as winning the club’s first Champions League in 2023, Walker has won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four Leagues and the Club World Cup.
