Kyle Walker is set to leave Manchester City after the defender expressed his desire to “explore the option of playing abroad and finish his career”, Pep Guardiola has revealed.

Guardiola confirmed Walker’s desire to gain new experience during his post-match comments following City’s 8-0 FA Cup third-round thrashing of Salford City at the Etihad on Saturday.

The City boss praised Salford-born midfielder James McAtee after the 22-year-old scored a second-half hat-trick in the emphatic win.

Jeremy Doku (2), Jack Grealish, Nico O’Reilly and debutant Divine Mbama completed the scoring as City continued their strong start to 2025.

Full time | 🎩 in a hat

🩵 8-0 🔴 #mancity | @okx pic.twitter.com/uVvzcCGHIs

— Manchester City (@ManCity) January 11, 2025

But they could soon be without Walker, who was missing from the matchday squad, after his manager said the 34-year-old – who has made more than 200 appearances for the club – has asked to leave the Etihad after eight years.

“Two days ago Kyle (Walker) asked to find an option to play abroad and end his career,” Guardiola said.

Guardiola also revealed that the England international had asked about leaving in 2023 following interest from Bayern Munich following City’s treble.

“I asked him, the club asked him, how important is this?” City manager said.

“But now in his mind he wants to explore another country. For this reason, I prefer to play other players whose mind is here, that’s it.’

“He’s asking to explore (his options) so that doesn’t happen, we don’t know, you never know. Explore the situation and I highly respect. I am more than grateful for what he has done for us over the years.

“But he’s said he wants to explore and explore his mind and his heart. Honestly? I don’t know what’s going to happen.”

A hat trick for James McAtee! ⚽️⚽️⚽️#MCISAL #BBCfootball pic.twitter.com/Pg1eILQEzy

– BBC Sport (@BBCSport) January 11, 2025

Speaking about McAtee’s performance, Guardiola added: “I’m very happy for him, he’s a special player.

“Making a hat-trick is not easy. He started a bit flat, I would say, but he has an incredible sense in front of goal. He has the right tempo, he changes the rhythm and scores and he is really happy for him.”

“He has been a City supporter for many years at the academy. He was one of the greatest talents of his generation alongside Jadon Sancho, Cole Palmer, Morgan Rodgers and Liam Delap.

“He was playing with these guys and was always their captain. I’m really, really happy that he’s here with us.

City will be hoping to extend their winning run to four games when they travel to Brentford in the Premier League on Tuesday.