Roy Keane has claimed the off-field issues facing 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, has lifted 17 trophies, including six Premier League titles.
However, the 34-year-old has endured an extremely difficult campaign – which has come amid City’s wider struggles – and Pep Guardiola revealed last week that Walker has asked to ‘explore options to play abroad’, with both Milan clubs emerging as strong contenders for his signature.
Walker’s dip in form has also come while issues in his wider private life have been played out in the public domain as he battles to save his marriage to Annie Kilner.
And Keane, speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet, felt it was only natural that Walker’s personal problems have begun to have an impact on his performances.
Roy Keane has claimed the off-field issues facing Kyle Walker explain the defender’s decline
Walker has endured a miserable season and has asked to ‘explore options to play abroad’
Walker is facing issues in his private life as he battles to save his marriage to Annie Kilner
‘A lot of players have off the pitch issues – not just Kyle Walker – and eventually it does catch up with your performance on the pitch and it takes its toll on you,’ the former Man United hardman said.
‘It is affecting his [Walker’s] game now (and) I think it has taken its toll.’
Mail Sport reported reported this week that any initial loan move to Italy for Walker could then turn into a two-year permanent deal at its conclusion.
And Keane went onto cite other stars who have faced off-field issues during their time in the game 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 that he needs a change, but in the middle of the season when your team are struggling, I would just bide my time,’ he added. ‘I still think Manchester City will look at this as a business deal.
‘He’s got a good relationship with the manager,’ he added. ‘But I reckon he said he’s just done. At City, the demands of Pep Guardiola and playing at that level, I think he thinks that he can’t do it anymore at this level and just wants to get out.
‘Mentally and physically, he just looks beaten – that’s just what I feel, I don’t know.’
‘Other players have been under huge pressure, whether it be Wayne Rooney or David Beckham, they get on with it and the best place for them to be is the football pitch.
Keane said he felt Walker looked ‘done’ at City after the demands of playing for Pep Guardiola
Kilner filed for divorce in October, although reports said she may be having second thoughts
‘For other players, the pressure piles on them and then their performances are affected. I think Pep will look after him [Walker], but whether that’ll mean letting him go on the cheap, I don’t know.’
Walker’s marital issues have been well-documented in recent times, with Kilner having served the 34-year-old with divorce papers in October.
She also kicked him out of the family property after she discovered he had secretly fathered a second child with his ex Lauryn Goodman, 33.
However, Mail Online 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 stay in Europe with any future move for his family and to save his marriage to Kilner.
A source earlier this week told The Sun: ‘Neither of them know what the future holds. But they’re hopeful a switch to Italy will give them the breathing space they desperately need to see if things can be worked out.
Walker’s decision comes with his marital issues having been well-documented in recent times
Along with his four children with Annie, Walker also has two kids with Lauryn Goodman
‘It’s been impossible to do that in England due to the pressure they’ve been under for the last 12 months.
‘They’re hoping time alone will help them decide if there’s anything left they can salvage.
‘Annie is keen to press ahead with the divorce in order to sort the finances out and Kyle won’t oppose that. But they haven’t yet fully given up on one another.’
Walker was not part of City’s matchday squad for their 2-2 draw with Brentford on Tuesday and Guardiola admitted that he had not yet decided if his captain would play for the club again.
Roy Keane was speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet
