WALKER WANTS TO WALK AWAY

Guardiola says City skipper left out of squad that routed Salford after requesting to leave

- 

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.

The defender was left out of the squad for the third-round tie on Jan 11, with Guardiola saying that the right-back had asked to "explore options abroad".

The England international was previously 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," Guardiola said. "And for that reason, I preferred playing other players.

"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 (S$83.7 million) in 2017.

He has made 319 appearances for the club, helping Guardiola's side win 17 trophies, including six Premier League titles and their first Champions League crown.