- ‘Very close,’ the England international admits, to joining Harry Kane at the Bundesliga’s top clubs.
- Kyle Walker is about to sign a new three-year contract with Manchester City after initially choosing Bayern Munich.
- Walker was given the captaincy after Kevin De Bruyne suffered an injury.
According to Kyle Walker, a sushi dinner with Pep Guardiola persuaded him to stay at Manchester City and turn down an offer from Bayern Munich.
The 33-year-old, who is about to agree to a new three-year contract with the Premier League champions, acknowledged that he was very nearly tempted to leave England for Germany during the summer.
Walker and Bayern reached an agreement on personal terms for a two-year contract, but Walker decided to stay in Manchester after having dinner with Guardiola.
He told The Times, “I have a really good relationship with Pep and he was kind enough to invite me out for food.”.
For once, he paid the bill.
With Manchester City, Kyle Walker is about to agree to a new three-year contract.
The right-back explained how a dinner with Pep Guardiola persuaded him to remain at the Etihad.
Knowing his goals and plans for the future, as well as for this season, was beneficial.
It was crucial to hear Pep’s opinions and share my perspective on how the guys feel about the upcoming season as one of the senior players and the captain.’.
Walker acknowledged that he would have loved the chance to play for Bayern, but Harry Kane switched from the Premier League to the Bundesliga this summer.
Despite the fact that it was close, he said, “things can happen in football.”.
The ability to make decisions.
A lot can happen.
It was not intended to be.
Of course I would have enjoyed the experience.’.
He acknowledged that leaving City after six seasons at the Etihad would have been challenging.
Why would you want to leave a club like this? he asked.
“I love the place, I’ve experienced things I only dreamed of here – especially the last season.”.
Walker had personally agreed to a two-year contract with Bayern Munich, where he might have been reunited with former teammate Harry Kane (above).
“It came down to who gave me the most years [on contract],” said the contestant.
[It was just what gave me the years in my contract to play football at the highest level.’.
Walker, who will be 36 by the time his new contract expires, appears to have received a long-term deal despite City’s usual reluctance to do so for veteran players.
The former Tottenham defender only played for eight minutes in the Champions League final victory over Inter Milan, but if he had been allowed to leave, City wouldn’t have had enough options at right-back.
Walker, however, has participated fully in each of City’s four Premier League games thus far, as well as 120 minutes in each of the Community Shield loss to Arsenal and the UEFA Super Cup victory over Sevilla.
In addition, he now serves as interim captain after Kevin De Bruyne’s injury on the first weekend of the season.
Walker (right), who last season helped City win the Triple Crown, is aiming for more honors.
In place of Kevin De Bruyne, the 33-year-old has been appointed captain.
Walker is adamant about claiming the job as his own for good.
I’m excited about the chance.
“I am very appreciative, and I hope to be the stand-in captain until Kevin returns, but it is up to the guys and staff whether I get the official [position].
“It is a privilege and an honor, and I naturally want it.”. I shouldn’t be playing at a great club like this if you can’t share your knowledge and life experiences with others on or off the field.’.
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