Football Digest: Newcastle primed for Champions League return
Pep Guardiola’s cunning plan to convince Kyle Walker to sign a new deal at Manchester City has worked wonders. The England full-back has extended his stay at the Etihad Stadium until the summer of 2026 in a move that will see him remain at the club until the end of his career.
Walker came close to joining Bayern Munich last month and was even said to have agreed personal terms with the German champions. He ultimately decided to stay at City and has since committed his long-term future to the club he joined in 2017, which saw him become the world’s most expensive defender before Harry Maguire’s move to Manchester United two years later.
The 33-year-old told City’s official website: “My future is with Manchester City and that is the best thing for me. I have an amazing coach, great team-mates and staff and our fans are the best. The treble-winning season is one I will never forget and we’re ready to go again and try to win more trophies.”
It comes after Walker revealed that he chose to stay in Manchester after having dinner with Guardiola, who he credits with convincing him to snub Bayern Munich’s advances. He admitted that he was tempted by the prospect of moving to Germany but ended up having no regrets about continuing his career at the Etihad Stadium.
JUST IN: Man Utd axe Jadon Sancho from main training group as club break silence
“I have a really good relationship with Pep and he was kind enough to invite me out for food,” Walker told The Times. “He paid the bill, for once! It was good to know his plans for the future and for this season and what he wants to do.
“Being one of the senior members, and standing in the captaincy, it was important to get Pep’s views and put my view of what the lads feel for the season coming forward. It was close but in football things can happen, decisions can be made, things can turn. It wasn’t meant to be.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
Don’t miss…
Man Utd star spotted leaving training ground five minutes after arriving[LATEST]
Premier League urged to introduce new Saudi rule after Mohamed Salah saga[NEWS]
Liverpool’s next transfer is clear as Jurgen Klopp names Premier League squad[ANALYSIS]
“Would I have enjoyed the experience? Of course I would have done [but] I love the place, I’ve experienced things I only dreamed of here, especially the last season, so why would you want to leave a club like this?”
Walker played a huge part in City’s treble-winning season last time around, making a total of 39 appearances in all competitions. He has since played every minute of the new Premier League campaign and has emerged as City’s stand-in skipper following Kevin de Bruyne’s injury in their opening game against Burnley.
Want the latest Premier League news as we publish it on Express Sport? Join our Facebook group by clicking here.
Source: Read Full Article
