Pep Guardiola has confirmed Kyle Walker has asked to leave Manchester City and move abroad in the January transfer window.
Walker, who is City's captain, was absent from the squad as they thrashed Salford City 8-0 in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday. And Guardiola revealed after the game that Walker's absence was due to him asking to leave.
"It's not easy for me to say but Kyle is not here because two days ago he asked to explore the options to play abroad at the end of his career," Guardiola said. "He asked two years ago after the Treble, when Bayern wanted him, but the offer was not good enough.
"We cannot understand the success we've had these years without Kyle. It's impossible. Having a right-back (like him) gave us something that we didn't have and he has been amazing. But now he would like to explore it, to go to another country, to play the last years (somewhere else) for many reasons.
"For that reason, I prefer to play other players whose mind is here. Kyle went to Txiki Begiristain. Maybe I am wrong but I am pretty convinced that you should keep no-one who doesn't want to be here.
"Kyle asked to explore. It doesn't mean it's going to happen, you never know. I respect him a lot because I'm more than grateful for what he has done since he arrived eight years ago. After the first season here we started to win, win, win, win, win, win.
"He's been important for the national team but he said 'I want to explore, in my mind and my heart I want to explore it'. Honestly, I don't know what's going to happen and that's what I can say."
Walker has won 17 trophies since joining City from Tottenham for £50million in 2017, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League. Mirror Football understands that Serie A giants AC Milan are interested in signing Walker.
The 34-year-old has lost his place in the side in recent weeks, having not started any of City's games since their 2-1 defeat to rivals Manchester United last month. Rico Lewis has been picked ahead of Walker in their last four Premier League games and Guardiola did admit that may have played a part in his decision.
"Maybe he's not playing the minutes like he played in the past," the City boss added. "Rico Lewis is playing really well, and of course the central defenders and Josko. I decide for that."