Pep Guardiola has stated that Kyle Walker has requested to depart from Manchester City, expressing a desire to play overseas.

In a surprising turn of events, Kyle Walker has expressed his desire to leave Manchester City, as revealed by manager Pep Guardiola following the team’s emphatic 8-0 victory over Salford in the FA Cup.

The seasoned full-back was notably absent from the squad on Saturday and has not started a match since the disappointing 2-1 defeat to Manchester United in the derby last month. Walker, who joined City in 2017, has been a pivotal figure in Guardiola’s side, contributing significantly to the club’s most successful era.

However, this season has seen a marked decline in Walker’s form, leading to criticism amid a string of poor results towards the end of 2024. Guardiola addressed the situation post-match, stating, “Two days ago, Kyle asked to explore the options to play abroad at the end of his career.”

The City boss recalled that Walker had previously sought a move two years ago after the club’s historic Treble win, with Bayern Munich showing interest at the time. However, the offer was deemed insufficient. Guardiola reflected on Walker’s importance to the club, saying, “We cannot understand the success the club had these years without Kyle. It’s impossible. He gave us something we didn’t have, and he’s been amazing.”

Despite Walker’s contributions, Guardiola indicated that the player’s current mindset is focused on exploring opportunities outside of England. “For that reason, I prefer to play other players whose mind is here, that’s all,” he added.

The City manager further elaborated, “He went to the club. I’m pretty convinced that there is no one person in our job that doesn’t want to be where they are and can perform. He’s asking to explore his options, so it may not happen; we don’t know. I respect it a lot and am more than grateful for what he has done for many years for us.”

Guardiola acknowledged Walker’s significant impact since his arrival eight years ago, stating, “We started to win, win, win, and he has been important for the national team and, of course, with our team.” However, he admitted uncertainty about Walker’s future, saying, “Honestly? I don’t know what is going to happen.”

While Guardiola did not confirm whether Walker would be heading to a club in the Saudi Pro League, reports suggest there is interest from teams in that division. The 34-year-old has made 18 appearances in all competitions for City this season and has also featured three times for England in the UEFA Nations League.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen where Walker’s next chapter will take him.