Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has revealed that Kyle Walker has asked to leave the English Premiership champions and “expressed an interest to go and play abroad”.
England international Walker was left out of Man City’s matchday squad for Saturday’s FA Cup third round win over Salford City despite being fit and available to feature.
“It’s not easy to say because he should say but he’s not here,” Guardiola told Man City’s official website.
“Two days ago, Kyle asked to explore the options to play abroad at the end of his career.
“He asked two years ago after [winning the] Treble, Bayern Munich wanted him but the offer wasn’t good enough.
“We cannot understand the success we had these years without Kyle. It’s impossible. He has been amazing.
“In his mind, he would like to explore to go to another country for many reasons. For that reason I prefer playing other players whose mind is here.”
Walker, who joined City from Tottenham Hotspur in 2017, has made 410 Premier League appearances overall, and won 15 trophies with City.
Italian sides AC Milan and Inter Milan are said to be interested to sign the England international.