Pep Guardiola's verdict on whether Kyle Walker will play for Man City again

Pep Guardiola has left the future open for Kyle Walker at Manchester City, despite the club captain expressing his desire to leave this month. The 34-year-old right-back was notably absent from City's squad for the FA Cup win over Salford after Guardiola revealed Walker's request to leave after eight seasons.

AC Milan are believed to be leading the race for Walker's signature, but Guardiola has stressed that any transfer must benefit both the player and the club.

“I don’t know,” Guardiola commented when asked if he would select Walker to play while his future is uncertain. “It depends on how we are going to train. It depends on him.

“The situation is different now, but the transfer window will end when it ends and I don’t know what will happen.”

Guardiola spoke about talks with Walker: “I said to Kyle that now it's a question of the market. He's an incredible player, with an incredible physique and when he's focused he's unstoppable as a full-back right.”

Guardiola praised Walker, saying: “He is a top player. If he is fit, he can play another one, two, three or four years as a professional.”

Reflecting on Walker's remarkable characteristics, Guardiola said: “I have never seen a player with these physical conditions in my career. If he wants to consider moving away, the club will explore, and he is the one who has to decide, not me. It's not my decision, but he must have an agreement with the club.