Kyle Walker’s off-field problems explain his Man City decline, claims Roy Keane – as defender prepares to move to Italy, amid battle to save marriage to Annie Kilner

Roy Keane has claimed that the off-field problems faced by Kyle Walker explain the defender’s decline this season.

Walker, 34, has been one of the best full-backs in the Premier League over the past decade, with the right-back shining for Tottenham and Manchester City.

During his time at the Etihad, Walker, who has also won 93 caps for England, won 17 trophies, including six Premier League titles.

However, the 34-year-old has endured an extremely difficult campaign – which came amid City’s wider struggles – and Pep Guardiola revealed last week that Walker has asked to ‘explore options to play abroad’, with both Milanese clubs emerged as strong contenders. for his signature.

Walker’s decline in form has also come as issues in his wider private life have played out in the public domain as he battles to save his marriage to Annie Kilner.

And Keane, speaking on the Stick with the football podcastbrought to you by Sky betfelt it was only natural that Walker’s personal problems began to affect his performance.

Walker has had a miserable season and has asked to ‘explore opportunities to play abroad’

Walker faces problems in his personal life as he fights to save his marriage to Annie Kilner

“A lot of players have problems off the pitch – not just Kyle Walker – and eventually it catches up with your performance on the pitch and it takes its toll on you,” the former Man United hardman said.

‘It affects him [Walker’s] game now (and) I think it’s taken its toll.”

Mail Sport reported this week that any initial loan move for Walker to Italy could culminate in a permanent two-year deal at the end.

And Keane cited other stars who faced off-the-field issues during their playing days and gave his thoughts on Walker choosing to leave in January despite being City’s club captain.

“I have no problem with a player saying he needs a change, but if your team is struggling in the middle of the season I would just wait and see,” he added. ‘I still think Manchester City will look at this as a business deal.

“He has a good relationship with the manager,” he added. “But I think he said he just finished. At City, the demands of Pep Guardiola and playing at that level, I think he thinks he can’t do it at this level anymore and just wants out.

‘Mentally and physically he just looks defeated, that’s exactly what I feel, I don’t know.’

‘Other players are under enormous pressure, whether it’s Wayne Rooney or David Beckham, they get on with it and the best place for them is the football pitch.

Keane said he thought Walker looked ‘ready’ at City after the demands of playing for Pep Guardiola

Kilner filed for divorce in October, although reports say there may be doubts

‘For other players, the pressure builds up and their performance is affected. I think Pep will take care of him [Walker]’, but I don’t know if that means I should let him go cheaply.’

Walker’s marital problems have been well documented in recent times, with Kilner serving the 34-year-old with divorce papers in October.

She also kicked him out of the family estate after discovering he had secretly fathered a second child with his ex Lauryn Goodman33.

However, Ny Breaking reported last week that Kilman, who was pregnant with their fourth child when Goodman dropped the bombshell, is now having second thoughts about their split and is ‘quietly working on her relationship with Walker behind the scenes’.

This comes after it was also reported that Walker is keen to remain in Europe with any future move for his family and to save his marriage to Kilner.

A source said this earlier this week The sun: ‘Neither of them knows what the future holds. But they are hopeful that a move to Italy will give them the breathing space they so desperately need to see if anything can be worked out.

Walker’s decision comes as his marital problems have been well documented in recent times

Along with his four children with Annie, Walker also has two children with Lauryn Goodman

‘That has been impossible in England because of the pressure they have been under in the last 12 months.

‘They hope that time alone will help them decide if there is anything left they can save.

“Annie would like to go through with the divorce to get her finances in order, and Kyle won’t be against that. But they haven’t completely given up on each other yet.’

Walker was not included in City’s matchday squad for Tuesday’s 2-2 draw with Brentford and Guardiola admitted he had not yet decided whether his captain would play for the club again.

Roy Keane spoke at the Stick to football podcast, brought to you by Sky bet