Kyle Walker has revealed that he wants to stay at Manchester City for "as long as possible" but has voiced his frustration over the delay in finalising his new contract.
The 33-year-old has entered the final year of his current deal at the Etihad Stadium and was the subject of strong interest from Bayern Munich over the summer.
Walker recently admitted that a permanent move to the perennial Bundesliga giants "was close", but he was ultimately persuaded to stay at Man City due to the length of contract on offer.
It is understood that Walker is on the verge of extending his contract until June 2026, but it remains unknown when an official announcement will be made.
Walker scored his first international goal for England on his 77th cap to help the Three Lions rescue a 1-1 draw against Ukraine in Euro 2024 qualifying on Saturday, and after the match, the defender discussed his future with Man City.
© Reuters
Asked if he is keen to sign a new contract with the Citizens, Walker told Sky Sports: "I have an obligation to fulfil my contract. Obviously things haven't gone for whatever way. Whichever way you want to look at it, it's not happened.
"But I'm a Manchester City player. I want to stay at this club for as long as possible. I need to do what's right for me personally and that's to stay at the top for as long as possible.
"There's a lot of ex-players have told me, once you start coming down it is difficult. If I can fulfil this season and many more, hopefully at Manchester City, that will be fantastic."
Since joining from Tottenham Hotspur in 2017, Walker has made a total of 260 appearances for Man City across all competitions, scoring six goals and registering 18 assists.
The right-back has been an integral member of Pep Guardiola's side that has won five Premier League titles, four EFL Cups, two FA Cups, two Community Shields and one Champions League over the last six years.
© Reuters
Walker made 39 appearances for Man City in their historic treble-winning campaign last season, although he had to settle for a late substitute outing in the Champions League final triumph over Inter Milan.
The Sheffield-born defender has since started in all five matches for the Citizens in the new campaign and has worn the captain's armband on four occasions since the summer departure of Ilkay Gundogan.
Walker lifted his 15th trophy with City after a penalty-shootout victory over Sevilla in the UEFA Super Cup last month, and he has helped the Citizens pick up a maximum 12 points from four games in the Premier League.
Man City's No.2 is in contention to play for England in next Tuesday's friendly against rivals Scotland, before returning to the Citizens squad ahead of next Saturday's Premier League trip to West Ham United.