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Pep Guardiola thinks Kyle Walker could have several more years at the top – but will allow him to leave Manchester City.
Walker was left out of City’s matchday squad for Saturday’s 8-0 FA Cup demolition of League Two Salford after expressing a desire to explore options abroad.
The 34-year-old right-back has been a key part of Guardiola’s all-conquering side since his move from Tottenham in 2017, helping the club win 17 trophies including six Premier League titles and the Champions League.
But his form of late has been inconsistent and his request comes after a spell out of the team, having not started since the derby loss to Manchester United on December 15.
Guardiola would back him to rediscover his best, but similarly will not stand in his way.
The City manager said: “He is an incredible player with his incredible physicality. When he is focused he is unstoppable as a right-back. He’s a top-class player.
“If he is fit he can play one, two, three, four more years as a professional. I have never seen a player with these physical conditions in my career.
“But if he wants to explore (other options), the club is going to explore, and he has to decide, not me. It’s not my decision.”
Walker is currently the City captain having taken over from Ilkay Gundogan when the German left after the 2023 treble success.
He has been linked with AC Milan but, as he is contracted until 2026, any deal would have to be sanctioned by City.
It is unclear if that could happen in this month’s transfer window and Guardiola would not comment on whether he may play again whilst his future is unresolved.
“It depends on him,” he said. “The transfer window will finish when it finishes and I don’t know what’s going to happen.”
City’s comfortable cup win did see Jack Grealish finally end his long goalscoring drought after winning and converting a penalty against Salford at the Etihad Stadium.
The England international had not found the net in club football since December 2023.
It came just a week after Guardiola had challenged the 29-year-old to show him more after losing his place in the side to summer signing Savinho.
Guardiola said: “Of course, I’m really pleased. I want the best for my players, all of them. I want them to perform well.
“But, at the end, they have to deliver. It’s not only Jack, absolutely not, but I saw him in the year of the treble, for example, when he was a main player for us.
“After that he played less and after that there are two options – think it’s me or think about what you can do better. This is the reality.”
