In a dramatic turn of events, Manchester City and England star Kyle Walker, 34, is preparing for a potential move to Italy with his wife, Annie Kilner, in an effort to mend their tumultuous marriage.
The long-suffering couple, who have been in the public eye for all the wrong reasons over the past year, hope that a fresh start in a new country can offer them the space and privacy they need to rebuild their relationship.
Sources close to the situation have confirmed that Walker is on the verge of finalizing a shock loan deal with Inter Milan, one of Italy’s top clubs. While AC Milan also expressed interest, it appears the defender is leaning toward Inter, with the agreement reportedly reached in principle. The move would mark a significant shift for Walker, who has spent much of his career at the pinnacle of English football.
For Annie Kilner, the move is equally pivotal. The 31-year-old filed for divorce in August following a string of highly publicized scandals involving Walker, including his fathering of a second child with ex-mistress Lauryn Goodman. However, despite her frustration and heartbreak, Annie is reportedly willing to accompany Kyle to Italy, along with their four children — Roman, 12, Riaan, eight, Reign, six, and baby Rezon.
“Neither of them know what the future holds,” a source close to the couple revealed. “But they’re hopeful that a switch to Italy will give them the breathing space they desperately need to see if things can be worked out. It’s been impossible to do that in England due to the pressure they’ve been under for the last 12 months.”
The relentless media scrutiny and public backlash following Walker’s indiscretions have undoubtedly taken their toll on the family. The couple’s hope is that moving away from the intense spotlight of English football will provide an opportunity to focus on themselves and their children, without constant judgment or interference.
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Despite Annie’s desire to move forward with the divorce proceedings, insiders suggest that neither party has fully given up on their relationship. “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,” the source added.
Walker’s decision to leave Manchester City comes as a surprise to many, particularly after a strong showing in recent seasons. The England defender, capped 93 times by his country, has made it clear that he still hopes to reach the milestone of 100 caps. While a lucrative offer from the Saudi Pro League was reportedly on the table, Walker’s priority remains playing at the highest level of European football to maintain his England career.
This determination to stay in the mix for international selection likely influenced his choice to pursue a move to Serie A rather than the Middle East. Walker’s bombshell request to leave City reportedly came to light after he was left out of the squad for an FA Cup tie, further fueling speculation about his future.
Annie and Kyle’s decision to uproot their family from Prestbury, Cheshire, to Milan represents a major gamble. The couple’s four children will also make the move, a step that underscores their commitment to finding a path forward together. For Annie, who endured immense public humiliation during her pregnancy with Rezon, this move signifies a chance to rebuild away from the constant reminders of Kyle’s indiscretions.
Kyle Appearance in Trial
The case reached a peak last summer when Walker returned from England’s Euros defeat to face Goodman in court over financial arrangements for their daughter, Kinara. Court documents revealed that Walker had increased Goodman’s housing budget from £1.85 million to £2.4 million after she threatened to move closer to his family home. This high-profile dispute only added to the strain on his marriage with Annie.
Walker’s public apology last year, in which he begged for Annie’s forgiveness, may have offered a brief respite, but the underlying issues remained unresolved. Now, with a move to Italy on the horizon, the couple is taking a bold step toward determining whether their relationship has a future.
Football fans and insiders alike will watch this story closely. For Walker, the move is not just about his career but also about reclaiming stability in his personal life. The defender’s reputation has been marred by controversy, but a successful stint with Inter Milan could provide a platform for redemption both on and off the pitch.
As the couple prepares for this life-altering decision, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The question remains: can a new beginning in Italy help Kyle Walker and Annie Kilner find common ground, or will it simply mark the beginning of a new chapter apart? Only time will tell, but for now, the move represents a glimmer of hope in an otherwise turbulent story.