Pep Guardiola reveals Kyle Walker has asked to LEAVE Man City with England defender set for £400K-A-WEEK Saudi transfer
PEP GUARDIOLA revealed Kyle Walker was left out of last night’s FA Cup tie against Salford because he wants to quit the Etihad.
The Manchester City boss initially said the reason for skipper Walker’s absence was tactical.
But after the 8-0 win Pep admitted it is because the right-back hopes for a fresh start abroad.
Walker – who has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia – has struggled for form this season.
Yet he was expected to make a confident-boosting return against the Division Two side.
But Guardiola said: “Two days ago Kyle asked to explore the option to play abroad.
“He asked after the treble, when Bayern (Munich) wanted him but the offer was not good enough.
“He went to (director of football) Txiki (Begiristain) of course, and I prefer to play other players whose mind is here.
“Maybe I’m wrong but 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.
“Kyle asked to explore, but it doesn’t mean it’s going to happen because you never know.
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“He has been our right back and given us something we haven’t had.
“He’s been amazing but now in his mind he would like to go to another country and play for other reasons.”
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