Guardiola confirms Kyle Walker wants to explore options abroad
Pep Guardiola announced that Kyle Walker will leave Manchester City after the defender expressed a desire to “explore the option of playing abroad and finishing his career”.
Guardiola confirmed Walker’s desire to have a new experience during his post-match comments following City’s 8-0 win over Salford City in the FA Cup third round at the Etihad on Saturday.
The City boss also praised Salford-born midfielder James McAtee after the 22-year-old scored a second-half hat-trick in the comfortable win.
Jeremy Doku (2), Jack Grealish, Nico O’Reilly and debutant Divin Mubama completed the scoring as City continued their strong start to 2025.
FULL TIME | In the hat 🎩
🩵 8-0 🔴 #ManCity | @okx pic.twitter.com/uVvzcCGHIs
— Manchester City (@ManCity) January 11, 2025
But they could soon be without Walker, who was missing from the matchday squad after his manager said the 34-year-old – who has racked up more than 200 appearances for the club – had asked to leave the Etihad after eight years.
“Two days ago Kyle (Walker) asked to explore the possibility of playing abroad and ending his career,” Guardiola said.
Guardiola also revealed the England international had asked about leaving due to interest from Bayern Munich following City’s treble triumph in 2023.
“I asked him, the club asked him, how important is this?” said the city manager.
“But now in his mind he wants to explore and explore another country. That’s why I prefer to play against other players whose minds are here, that’s all.”
“He’s asking to explore (his options) so maybe it doesn’t happen, we don’t know, you never know. “Explore the situation and I respect it a lot. I am beyond grateful for what he has done for us over many years.
“But he said that in his head and in his heart he wanted to explore and explore. Honest? I don’t know what’s going to happen.”
A hat trick for James McAtee! ⚽️⚽️⚽️#MCISAL #BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/Pg1eILQEzy
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) January 11, 2025
On McAtee’s performance, Guardiola added: “I’m so happy for him, he’s a special player.
“It’s not easy to score a hat trick. I would say he started a bit flat, but after that he has incredible feel in front of goal. He got the pace right, changed the rhythm to score and really happy for him.”
“He is a fan of the city and has been in the academy for many, many years. He was one of the greatest talents of his generation made up of Jadon Sancho, Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Liam Delap.
“He played with these guys and was always their captain. I’m really happy that he’s here with us.”
City will be hoping to extend their winning streak to four games when they travel to Brentford in the Premier League on Tuesday.
