The Italian press have claimed that ‘failure has the face of [Kyle] Walker’, providing a brutal assessment of the full-back’s torrid time at AC Milan as uncertainty engulfs his career in Italy.
The 35-year-old made the loan switch to the Rossoneri in January, ending a seven-and-a-half-year stint at Manchester City, which was littered with gold.
His Italy switch came amid family drama off the pitch, with Walker fighting for his marriage with the mother of four of his children, Annie Kilner, after also fathering two kids with his influencer ex-mistress Lauryn Goodman.
After a bright start to life in the country’s fashion capital – going unbeaten in his first three starts – Walker’s form drastically dipped as Milan finished a surprisingly low eighth place in Serie A.
Reports earlier this month claimed that the seven-time European Cup winners had decided against paying the £4.2million fee to keep him permanently, which would mean the England defender would be forced to return to City.
And it’s clear that Italian media outlet Tuttosport are fans of that notion, as they mocked Walker for his struggles in Milan.
The Italian media believe that Kyle Walker’s loan spell at AC Milan has been a failure
Walker moved from Man City in January as he looked to save his marriage with Annie Kilner
The full-back only made 11 Serie A appearances for the club and it seems likely he will not be kept on permanently
The newspaper seems fairly certain that Walker will not spend next season in black and red, instead making his way back to Manchester.
Tuttosport lambasted Walker’s time at the club as a disaster, with the harshest line – by far – reading: ‘Failure has the face of Walker.’
They also claimed that all he will be remembered for is his water-spitting prior to matches. Walker famously drinks water before spraying it into the air, which has made for some cool pictures.
He was berated for imitating ‘his role model’ Triple H – real name Paul Levesque – who used to do the same water-spitting action while wrestling in the WWE, where he is now chief content officer.
Walker’s personal life issues are believed to have affected his time in Milan, according to Tuttosport, and there is no way that he can continue at the Rossoneri.
Last month, Italian outlet Calciomercato also claimed that the former Tottenham star’s elbow injury paired with Alex Jimenez’s impressive form at right-wing back are said to have convinced Milan’s hierarchy against a permanent move.
Jimenez, who is just 20, was originally signed for Milan’s under-23 side but has made 20 appearances in Serie A this season, compared to Walker’s 11.
Walker said he ‘wanted to cry’ when he left City and previously admitted he didn’t think his time at the Etihad was over.
Tuttosport mocked Walker and said he will only be remembered for his water-spitting
Walker was berated for imitating ‘his role model’ Triple H (pictured) who used to do the same in the WWE
‘After I said my goodbyes, Pep [Guardiola] got up and spoke and said a really nice message to me, just saying thank you for everything,’ Walker said on his BBC podcast.
‘But listen, it’s not over. I’m just on loan here. I’ve got to take that into consideration that I can go back.
‘Obviously, both parties need to come to an agreement come the end of the season. The chapter’s not fully closed, we’ll see what happens.’
The treble-winner wanted to leave the Etihad Stadium over diminishing game time, fearful of how it would impact his international career. Walker featured in both of Thomas Tuchel’s opening World Cup qualifiers in March.