'Asked to': Pep Guardiola now shares what Kyle Walker has privately said about leaving Man City
Yesterday at 04:26 PM
It was a surprise not to see Kyle Walker even being named on Manchester City’s bench as they demolished Salford City 8-0 in the Third Round of the FA Cup.
Pep Guardiola decided to play Matheus Nunes as a makeshift right-back instead. The Portuguese international had an excellent game, providing a pair of pre-assists for Jeremy Doku’s opener and James McAtee’s first goal as he went on to score a stunning hat-trick.
TBR Football have previously revealed that Manchester City are ready to sell Walker, with the Saudi Pro League earmarking the 34-year-old as their top target.
After Manchester City won their third game in a row, Pep Guardiola was quizzed about why he did not include the veteran in his matchday squad.
Pep Guardiola confirms Kyle Walker wants to leave Man City
Rico Lewis started at right-back in City’s 4-1 win against West Ham United.
As a result, Walker, who is struggling for form this season would have been expected to slot in as a part of the Sky Blues’ defence in the FA Cup clash. Manchester City’s dream replacement for Walker is Jeremie Frimpong, who they have done background checks as they are already conducting a succession plan in preparation for their captain’s exit one day.
However, Pep Guardiola confirmed during his post-match press conference that Kyle Walker has asked to leave Manchester City.
The Catalan said via BeanymanSports: “Well, it’s not easy for me to say because he should say it but he’s not here. So, two days ago, Kyle [Walker] has asked to explore the options to play abroad and end his career.”
Pep Guardiola went on to confirm that Walker’s move to Bayern Munich in 2023 did not get over the line because the German giants did not put in a sufficient offer to secure his services, going on to eulogise about his time at the Etihad Stadium.
“Two years ago, after the treble, Bayern Munich, I think wanted him but the offer was not good enough and I asked him, the club asked him how important he is. We cannot understand the success we had these years without Kyle. It’s impossible.”
Guardiola added: “Has been our right-back and gave us something we didn’t have and has been amazing. But now in his mind, he would like to explore already, go another country to play the last years of his career for many reasons.”
“And for that reason, I preferred playing another player whose mind is here.”
Kyle Walker confirmed Man City exit stance to Txiki Begiristain
Pep Guardiola added that the Englishman directly told sporting director Txiki Begiristain that he wishes to leave City.
“He went to the club, he went to Txiki [Begiristain].”
Guardiola went on to admit that he always lets unsettled players leave Manchester City if that is indeed their wish.
“Of course. Maybe I’m wrong, still I am pretty convinced that there is no one person in our jobs, whatever job where someone doesn’t want to be where they are can perform or can be exactly what they want to be.”
Pep Guardiola reiterated that at the minute, Walker is just exploring his options and that does not necessarily mean a transfer is going to take place this month.
“Asked just to explore, that doesn’t mean it’s going to happen, we never know, explore the situation, the position and I respect a lot because I’m more than grateful what he has done in these many years with us.”
“Since arriving eight years ago, after the first season here, started to win, win, win, win, win, he has been important with us, important with the national team, for your country, of course, important for our team.”
“He said that I want to explore my mind and my heart and I want to be someone else to explore and honestly, I don’t know what’s going to happen.”
After winning six Premier League titles, a treble, two FA Cups and four Carabao Cup trophies amongst various other pieces of silverware, Walker’s time at Manchester City has been a resounding success.
Only time will tell which club will sign the speedster but his time at City will always be remembered as one of the greatest spells from a right-back in Premier League history.
