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The Spanish boss has revealed that one of the club’s stalwarts intends to leave the Etihad.
Manchester City defender Kyle Walker has requested to leave the club in the January transfer window, according to manager Pep Guardiola.
The England international has struggled for form this season and is reportedly seeking a move abroad.
Guardiola confirmed Walker's desire to leave following the Premier League side's 8-0 FA Cup victory over Salford City, a match in which the right-back was not included in the squad.
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What Guardiola said about Walker
The City manager revealed that Walker had expressed his wish to explore options to play in another country towards the end of his career.
Guardiola acknowledged Walker's significant contribution to City's success since joining from Tottenham Hotspur in 2017.
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“He asked two years ago after the treble, Bayern Munich I think wanted him but the offer was not good enough and I and the club (told) him how important he is, Guardiola remarked. “You cannot understand the success we have had these years without Kyle, it’s impossible, he gave us something we didn’t have, he’s been amazing.”
However, he also acknowledged Walker's desire for a new challenge and his wish to play regularly.
While Guardiola did not disclose the specific reasons behind the 34-year-old’s request, he suggested that the defender may feel he can no longer perform at his best level at the Etihad City.
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He also emphasised that the situation is not yet definitive and that a transfer is not guaranteed.
“In his mind he would like to explore already to go to another country to play the last years for many reasons, and for that reason I played other players whose mind is here,” Guardiola continued.
“It doesn’t mean it is going to happen because you never know. I respect him a lot because I am more than grateful for what he has done for us, he has been important with the England national team, important for our team but he said, ‘I want to explore in my mind and my heart’. Honestly I don’t know if it will happen.”
Walker has been linked with a move to Bayern Munich in the past and attracted interest from Saudi Arabia last summer. AC Milan have also been rumoured to move for the defender since Guardiola's remarks.
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With 18 months remaining on his current contract, Manchester City may be willing to let him leave in January if a suitable offer arrives.
What next for Man City?
Guardiola’s men are back in Premier League action against Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on January 14.
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