Pep Guardiola confirms that Kyle Walker has asked to LEAVE Manchester City to ‘explore opportunities abroad’ – after captain was omitted from FA Cup squad

Kyle Walker has asked to leave Manchester City to play abroad, Pep Guardiola dramatically revealed on Saturday.

Walker was left out of the matchday squad for the 8–0 FA Cup third round win over Salford City despite being fit and available to play.

After the win, Guardiola confirmed Walker spoke to him on Thursday and asked to leave City to ‘explore opportunities abroad’.

“Two days ago, Kyle asked to explore the possibilities of playing abroad at the end of his career,” he said.

‘He asked about the Treble two years ago. Bayern Munich wanted him, but the offer was not good enough.

‘I asked him, the club asked him: how important is this?

Walker has won six Premier League titles since joining Manchester City in 2017

Walker’s personal life is in the spotlight with his wife Annie Kilner, left, reportedly considering walking back their impending divorce

“We cannot understand the club’s success these years without Kyle. It’s impossible. He gave us something we didn’t have and he was great.

‘But now in his mind he would like to explore and go to another country. For that reason I prefer to play against other players who are here with their thoughts, that’s all.’

There has been interest in Walker from Saudi Arabia and having dropped out of the starting lineup for the reigning Premier League champions, the 34-year-old has taken matters into his own hands to try to seal his departure this month.

“He went to the club,” Guardiola added.

“I’m quite convinced that there’s no one in our position who doesn’t want to be where they can perform.

‘He asks for investigation [his options] so it might not happen, we don’t know, you never know. Examine the situation and I respect a lot. I am beyond grateful for what he has done for us over the years.

“He came to us eight years ago and we are starting to win, win, win, win and he has been important for the national team and of course for our team.

“But he has said he wants to explore it in his mind and in his heart and explore it. Honestly? I don’t know what’s going to happen.’

Guardiola revealed Walker has asked to ‘explore the possibilities of playing abroad’

Walker signed a contract extension two years ago after interest from Bayern Munich

Walker signed a contract extension after interest from Bayern Munich and said last year he felt he wanted to ‘escape’ City due to criticism of his private life.

“I tried to escape,” he told The Sun in January 2024.

‘Did I want to leave City? No, of course not. We are the best team in the world right now. But it was a chance to get away from England and the media I would get.

‘I knew the clock was ticking. I came very close to moving. We had conversations. I went to a great club, a huge club. But in the end I couldn’t go.’

Guardiola’s public statement that Walker is now pushing for an escape route increases the pressure to see if a deal can be reached for a player who will turn 35 before the season is out.