Manchester City full-back Kyle Walker has suggested that he could follow Cristiano Ronaldo's example and make a transfer to Saudi Arabia.
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Article continues below
Article continues below
- Walker not ruling out Saudi Arabia move
- Says lucrative contracts are a big attraction
- Full-back wants Sheffield United return
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Clubs in the Saudi Pro Leaguge have attracted big names across Europe, offering huge contracts to the likes of Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Neymar and Sadio Mane. Walker's former City team-mates Riyad Mahrez and Aymeric Laporte also followed the money to the Middle East and the England international has refused to rule out following them.
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WHAT WALKER SAID
He said on the podcast: "I'll never say never. The money that they're paying and everything is obviously a massive factor in why they're going out there. Ronaldo opened the pathway for everyone to go there.
"If they keep attracting the player they're attracting the league will get better so why wouldn't you want to go? But for me the Premier League is the best league in the world so I want to compete in this league for as long as possible and as high as possible."
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
However, the 33-year-old right-back, who signed a new contract in September that ties him to City until 2026, hopes to remain a star player for Pep Guardiola's treble-winning side and has his heart set on finishing his career at Sheffield United.
He added: "As long as my legs are going and I still feel that I can contribute at a certain level. I don't want to drop down too low because the lower it gets I think it gets harder because certain things that you have the luxury of having at City – whether it is the facilities or nutrition or other – but I'd like to finish at Sheffield United. I was there from such a young age until I went to Tottenham and only played five games. I went back on loan for half a season so I think I have about 35 games. I'd go for as long as possible but to give back or even pass on my experience to the younger players, if I can do that then I'd like to."
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WHAT NEXT FOR WALKER?
Before he considers moving to Saudi Arabia or Sheffield United, Walker will hope to make this another successful season under Guardiola as City fight to defend their Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup titles. His side are in action again on Saturday when they take on Newcastle in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
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