Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich were said to be flirting with the fullback all summer long, but Manchester City’s Kyle Walker says his desire to complete another treble-winning season – like their unprecedented 2022-23 campaign – is why he rejected their advances to extend his stay at Eastlands, until 2026.
Guardiola says City teammates demanded Walker stay
- “The team [is why I stayed], there’s something special. Coming back after an amazing high of last season in winning the Treble, finally getting the Champions League, I wanted to go and do it again,” the 33-year-old said
- City’s director of football Txiki Begiristain described Walker as the world’s best right-back, while manager Pep Guardiola told the club’s website just how important he is – teammates were unanimous in their agreement
- Bayern believed they had agreed personal terms with the England international – he’s decided to stay in Manchester until the end of 2025-26
Bayern had already ventured to England for new acquisitions last summer, with little success, as Sadio Mane (Liverpool) and Joao Cancelo (Manchester City, season-long loan) had already departed for pastures new after their campaign in Bavaria.
England captain and Tottenham’s club-record goalscorer Harry Kane has already hit the ground running since his long-awaited transfer from north London was made official last month, and his compatriot Kyle Walker could’ve joined him.
Instead, City announced yesterday that Walker had extended his existing deal until the end of the 2025-26 season, a month after his 36th birthday.
What did they say?
Txiki Begiristain: “He is an outstanding footballer and his speed, strength and experience make him such an important member of our squad.”
Guardiola: “Kyle is an important figure for us, players demanded he could not leave… at the end he decided to stay with his wife and family.
He has qualities you can’t find across the world – can control the best wingers on the planet, who can do better than him?”
In terms of genetics, I’ve seen few players like him – they are unique. As much as he enjoys his life, as long as he works there will be no problem.”
Walker admitted he was close to agreeing a permanent move to the Allianz Arena, having had his future linger throughout the summer months.
Uncertainty grew over the course of last season, especially after he played just eight minutes in their Champions League Final triumph against Inter on June 10.
Since departing Tottenham for Manchester in 2017, he has won 15 trophies in six years and so far made 260 appearances across all competitions.
Walker scored in England’s 1-1 Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine last week, before assisting another during a 3-1 friendly win over Scotland three days later.
One of the team leaders, the defender is expected to feature as City return to action away at West Ham on Saturday lunchtime.
Picture source: Getty Images
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