FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Premier League - Manchester City v West Ham United - Etihad Stadium, Manchester, Britain - January 4, 2025 Manchester City's Kyle Walker before the match REUTERS/Phil Noble/File Photo
(Reuters) -Manchester City captain Kyle Walker has asked to leave the club, manager Pep Guardiola confirmed after their 8-0 thrashing of Salford City in the FA Cup on Saturday.
Walker was left out of Guardiola's squad for the third round tie with the Spanish manager saying the right back had asked to "explore options abroad".
The England international was linked with a move to German giants Bayern Munich after City clinched the treble in 2023.
"Two days ago, Kyle asked to explore the options to play abroad and end his career. And for that reason, I preferred playing other players," Guardiola said.
"He asked two years ago after the treble, Bayern Munich wanted him but the offer was not good enough."
The 34-year-old Walker joined City from Tottenham Hotspur in a deal worth around 50 million pounds ($61.02 million) in 2017.
He has made 319 appearances for City, helping the club win 17 trophies, including six Premier League titles and their first Champions League.
"We cannot understand the success we have had these years without Kyle. It's impossible," Guardiola added.
"I still am pretty convinced that there's no-one in our job that doesn't want to be where they are who can perform and be exactly what they want to be.
"He asked to explore, it doesn't mean it's going to happen because you never know the situation.
"I respect him a lot because I'm more than grateful since he has been many years for us. He's been important for the national team and important for our team."
Walker has seen his playing time reduced this season, making just nine Premier League starts, with local media suggesting Saudi Arabia could be his next destination.
($1 = 0.8194 pounds)
(Reporting by Janina Nuno Rios in Mexico CityEditing by Toby Davis)
