‘Kyle Walker wants to leave Manchester City’ – Pep Guardiola confirms

England defender Kyle Walker has told Manchester City he wants to leave the club, manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed.

The right-back was not included in the squad for City’s 8-0 FA Cup win over Salford, with Guardiola making it clear that the decision was not due to injury or illness.

Walker has expressed a desire to move abroad, with clubs in Saudi Arabia reportedly interested in signing the 34-year-old.

“It’s not easy for me to say this because it should come from him, but he’s not here,” Guardiola explained. “Two days ago, Kyle asked to explore the possibility of playing abroad as he nears the end of his career.

“He actually asked two years ago, after we won the Treble, when Bayern Munich wanted him, but their offer wasn’t good enough. I’ve said before, and the club agrees, we couldn’t have achieved our success without Kyle. He’s been incredible for us.

“But now, he feels it’s time to explore a new challenge in another country. For that reason, I prefer to play other players who are fully focused on the team. That’s all.”

Walker has not started a match since City’s loss to Manchester United in the derby a month ago. He has only made three substitute appearances since then and seems to have fallen behind Rico Lewis in Guardiola’s plans.

The 34-year-old is now considering opportunities elsewhere as he looks to the next stage of his career.