Kyle Walker is keen to move to AC Milan with talks expected to ramp up this week, jrsports understands.
The Citizens legend was absent for his side’s 8-0 FA Cup win over Salford City with the club initially explaining he wasn’t injured and calling it a ‘technical issue’.
Walker is a club icon, but could leave this month
Yet Pep Guardiola cleared things up comprehensively post match, admitting that Walker had in fact asked to leave.
He told talkSPORT: “He said to the club two days ago that he wants to explore going abroad.
“He wants to finish his career in another place.
“He asked two years ago and I tried to convince him to commit to stay and he signed a contract and he was really important and won the Premier League last season as a captain.
“Now he’s saying that he would like to go to another country in this transfer window.
“He’s a player who when he’s fit and he’s focused with the attitude as a player he can play one, two, three more years.
“I’ve never seen a physical condition like he has in my life.
“All the success we’ve had in the eight years belongs a huge part to him and the guys almost had 100 games with the England national team.
“I don’t need to tell you how important he’s been but now he’s said to the club that he wants another experience – to explore was the word – and we will see what happens.”
Asked if Walker would leave with his blessing, Guardiola continued: “When the players want to leave I’m not the guy…
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Walker is one of England’s greatest ever defenders
City defender Walker has been at the club since 2017 after joining from Tottenham[/caption]
“I try to convince (them) but in certain moments when they want to do it I’m not that guy.
“The other question… the club at the end they have the last word on exactly what’s going to happen.”
talkSPORT understands that the England international is a target for Saudi Pro League clubs, along with AC Milan, who also want to sign Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford.
Walker admitted he came close to leaving City in 2023 to link up with Three Lions teammate Harry Kane at Bayern Munich.
Guardiola confirmed that it was his old club Bayern who nearly signed Walker, but revealed that their offer wasn’t enough.
The full-back joined City from Tottenham in 2017 for £45million and he’s since proved to be worth every penny.
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With the club he’s won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups, and the Holy Grail of the Champions League in 2023.
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