Manchester City have secured Kyle Walker’s future until 2026 after fending off interest from Bayern Munich to retain their most experienced player in Pep Guardiola’s squad.
Walker, whose current deal was expiring next summer, penned a new two-year extension – and now has eyes on taking over the captaincy from Ilkay Gundogan.
The 33-year-old has taken the armband on a temporary basis following Gundogan’s departure to Barcelona and the hamstring injury suffered by Kevin De Bruyne.
City’s players and staff are set to vote on their new five-man leadership group and Walker, who feels assured over his game time after discussions with Guardiola, is hoping to lead the team.
‘I’m thrilled to sign a new deal,’ Walker said. ‘My future is with Manchester City and that is the best thing for me.
Kyle Walker has penned a brand-new contract to keep him with Manchester City until 2026
The England international has been a landmark signing under head coach Pep Guardiola
‘I’ve enjoyed every single moment of the past six years at this fantastic club. I have an amazing coach, great team-mates and staff and our fans are the best. I feel supported on every single level.
‘The Treble-winning season is one I will never forget and we’re ready to go again and try to win more trophies.
‘The lads have got that hunger again to go and achieve something really special again this season, fingers crossed. I wanted to be a part of it and I didn’t want to miss out on that.
‘Us captains have got to demand that. We’ve set the bar and each year about it’s how do you get better? How do we get better? We seem to be doing that each year.
‘We’ve probably gone to the top of the top where, to stay there, there is only down because are we going to go and win a Treble again? Who knows? You know, we could do.’
The England international, who scored a first goal for his country against Ukraine last weekend, recently admitted that a switch to Bayern was ‘very close’ but that his preference was always to remain at the Etihad Stadium.
Walker cost £45million from Tottenham and has been one of the best signings of Guardiola’s tenure, with sporting director Txiki Begiristain adding: ‘He is an outstanding footballer and his speed, strength and experience make him such an important member of our squad.
‘For me, he is the best right-back in the world, a player with a unique set of attributes. He brings a very special dynamic to our team.
‘Kyle has been a huge part of our recent success, and we are confident that he will help us compete for trophies in the upcoming seasons.’
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