Roy Keane has claimed that Kyle Walker's off-field problems explain the defender's decline this season.
Walker, 34, has been one of the Premier League's best full-backs over the last decade, with the right-back shining for Tottenham and Manchester City.
During his time at the Etihad, Walker, who also earned 93 caps for England, lifted 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 asked to “explore options to play abroad”, with both clubs. of Milan emerging as strong contenders. for your signature.
Walker's decline in form also came as problems in his wider private life played out in the public domain as he struggled to save his marriage to Annie Kilner.
And Keane, speaking in the Stay with the football podcastbrought to you by sky betHe considered it natural that Walker's personal problems began to have an impact on his performances.
Roy Keane has claimed that Kyle Walker's off-field problems explain the defender's decline.
Walker has endured a miserable season and has asked to 'explore options to play abroad'
Walker faces problems in his private life as he fights to save his marriage to Annie Kilner.
“A lot of players have problems off the field, not just Kyle Walker, and eventually that affects your performance on the field and takes its toll on you,” said the former Manchester United player.
“It's affecting his (Walker's) game now (and) I think it's taken its toll on him.”
Mail Sport reported this week that any initial loan to Italy for Walker could become a permanent two-year deal upon completion.
And Keane went on to cite other stars who have faced off-field problems during their time in the game and expressed his opinion on Walker's decision to leave in January despite being City's club captain.
“I have no problem with a player saying he needs a change, but in the middle of the season, when your team is struggling, I would just bide my time,” he added. “I still think Manchester City will see this as a commercial deal.
“He has a good relationship with the coach,” he added. But I think he said he was done. 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 he just wants to get out.
“Mentally and physically he seems defeated. That's what I feel, I don't know.”
“Other players have been under enormous pressure, whether it's Wayne Rooney or David Beckham, they get on well and the best place for them is on the football pitch.
Keane said he felt Walker looked “finished” at City after the demands of playing for Pep Guardiola.
Kilner filed for divorce in October, although reports say he may be reconsidering.
'For other players, the pressure builds up and then their performances suffer. I think Pep will look after him (Walker), but I don't know if that will mean letting him go cheap.'
Walker's marital problems have been well-documented of late, with Kilner serving divorce papers on the 34-year-old in October.
She also kicked him out of the family property after discovering he had secretly fathered a second child with his ex. Laura Goodman33.
However, Mail Online reported last week that Kilman, who was pregnant with her fourth child when Goodman dropped the bomb, is now reconsidering their split and is “quietly working on her relationship with Walker behind the scenes.”
This comes after it was also reported that Walker wants to stay in Europe with any future moves for his family and save his marriage to Kilner.
A source said earlier this week the sun: 'Neither of them knows what the future holds for them. But they are hopeful that a move to Italy will give them the breathing room they desperately need to see if things can be sorted out.
Walker's decision comes because his marital problems have been well documented in recent times.
In addition to his four children with Annie, Walker also has two children with Lauryn Goodman.
“It has been impossible to do that in England because of the pressure they have been under over the last 12 months.
“They hope the time alone will help them decide if there is anything left they can salvage.”
'Annie is willing to go ahead with the divorce to sort out the finances and Kyle won't object to that. But they haven't given up on each other yet.
Walker was not part of City's squad for their 2-2 draw against Brentford on Tuesday and Guardiola admitted he had not yet decided whether his captain would return to play for the club.
Roy Keane was speaking at the Stay with football podcast, presented by sky bet