Walker’s personal life has hit rock bottom, with the Daily Mail reporting that his marriage to Kilner is on the brink of collapse. While the Manchester City defender had hoped that his temporary move to AC Milan might offer a reset for both his football career and his relationship, the results have been underwhelming. Far from mending their strained ties, time abroad appears to have only widened the emotional distance between Walker and his wife.
Moving away from the UK media spotlight and the fallout of his past scandal with Lauryn Goodman was a key motivation behind the move. However, AC Milan have decided not to extend his stay, effectively ending his time in Italy after just a few months. Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola has reportedly already moved on, with little indication that Walker will be reintegrated into the City squad, leaving him to look for a new club in order to remain in contention for a Three Lions’ spot ahead of next year’s World Cup.
Walker’s time in Milan was supposed to be a step towards repairing his relationship with Annie, who had considered relocating with their children if the move had worked out. Instead, Walker found himself in hot water once again when he was seen partying at Milan’s upscale nightclub Tocqueville 13, just a day after Annie and the kids had returned to the UK. He spent a reported £5,300 on a Super VIP night with two women, an episode that reportedly left Annie furious.
Close acquaintances of the England defender have expressed disappointment at how the Milan opportunity played out. A friend, quoted by the Daily Mail, said: “Kyle really enjoyed his time with Milan, especially off the pitch. Having played under Guardiola for so long, which is exhausting, having to meet his lofty standards, he felt the shackles were off when he joined Milan and made the most of his new lifestyle, perhaps eating and drinking what he wouldn’t ordinarily consume, as well as socialising more.
That impacted him on the pitch, which is why he didn’t perform to the levels he’s become accustomed to over the years. That disappointed his parents, who flew over to watch him for the last game of the season, and he didn’t even make the bench. His family see it as a wasted opportunity as now he’s back to square one again.
While a return to the Premier League is a possibility, it also brings complications. Staying in England would place him closer to Lauryn, the mother of his children, Kairo and Kinara, potentially adding further strain to his already crumbling marriage with Annie.
The source added: “Kyle is more of a ‘home bod’ than perhaps he thought so staying in the UK has become more of an attractive option, even if it means he’ll be nearer Lauryn. This obviously displeases Annie but there’s more immediate concerns currently within their relationship which continues to hang by a thread. They’re barely talking and their marriage is as bad as it’s ever been.
With Milan cutting ties and City unlikely to welcome him back, Walker must now explore options elsewhere. The coming weeks could determine whether he can regain his footing or if both career and family life continue to spiral.
