Kyle Walker Opens Up About Near-Move to Bayern Munich and His Decision to Remain at Man City
The defender was heavily linked with a transfer to the German powerhouses, and he admits he was tempted to move to Bavaria.
The 33-year-old had a period of disfavor in the spring of last year, and despite regaining his position towards the end of the treble-winning season, he was not included in the starting lineup for the Champions League final in June.
As he entered the final year of his contract, Bayern wooed Walker with an attractive offer, but Walker opted to stay put after City reportedly offered a two-year extension.
“Would I have enjoyed the experience? Of course I would, but this is a great club and you can’t underestimate what this club has done in the last six or seven years.
“Why should I walk away if I am going to get enough game time that’s right for me? That is all I want.
“It was about who gave me the most years. It wasn’t like I was going to a worse club because Bayern Munich is a massive club and seeing what Harry (Kane) is doing there and will do, it wasn’t a step down.
“In the back of my head I always wanted to play for Manchester City but I had to do what was right for me and my future. It was just about which club gave me the years in my contract to play football at the highest level.”
The speculation linking Walker to Bayern was at its peak in July, coinciding with City’s preseason match against the Bundesliga club.
Walker, to the surprise of many at the time, not only started for City but also wore the captain’s armband.
He stated, “I am a player for Manchester City.” I am under contract with them, so what would you like me to do? Turn around and say, “I’m not playing because I’m attempting to force a transfer to Bayern Munich”?
“That’s not who I am as a person. I have a contract with the club and will play for the club until my contract expires or they sell me – and I have not been sold.”
Walker, who joined City from Tottenham in 2017, stated that the confirmation of his new contract with the reigning Premier League champions was imminent.
“The extension is coming,” said Walker, who has five title-winner’s medals. “It’s my seventh season here and I feel like one of the old ones.
“I love the place. I’ve experienced things I only dreamt of here – especially the last season – so why would you want to leave a club like this?”
Walker is also keen to take on the City captaincy full-time with manager Pep Guardiola planning to hold a squad vote to identify Ilkay Gundogan’s replacement in the coming weeks.
Kyle Walker Opens Up About Near-Move to Bayern Munich and His Decision to Remain at Man City
He said: “The vote hasn’t been yet. They like to do it after the transfer window is closed.
“It is an honour of privilege, of course I want it. If you can’t pass on your knowledge and life experiences on or off the field, I shouldn’t be playing at a great club like this.”
