Kyle Walker warned 'off-field issues' have stopped him 'becoming one of the absolute legends of the game' after escaping to AC Milan amid turbulent marriage with Annie Kilner

The England international is looking for a fresh start at 34 years of age, with the decision taken to leave Premier League champions Manchester City for Serie A giants at San Siro. Walker has moved on an initial loan agreement that includes an option to buy.

He is expected to be joined in Italy by wife Annie Kilner and their four children, but that relationship continues to face plenty of uncomfortable questions. That is because Walker has fathered two kids with former Love Island contestant Lauryn Goodman – leading to divorce rumours being generated.

Ex-Premier League striker Louis Saha, who played alongside some legendary figures during his time at Manchester United, has told spaceportsweden.com when asked how Walker will be remembered when the day comes for him to hang up his boots: "I think Gary Neville is still up there when it comes to the greatest ever right-back in the Premier League era, but Kyle Walker isn’t too far behind him in second place. Walker is a top player. He has proved that he's a very consistent player for England as well. He has not faced a lot of opponents that have a good day against him, so he’s definitely one of the best.

"The only thing that is a bad mark against him, and I don’t know how fair this is, is all of the off-the-field stories that have dogged him for the last few years. People don’t talk about the player and his performances without talking about his personal life, and that’s a shame, but having that kind of reputation stops you from becoming one of the absolute legends of the game. You have to have a perfect private life away from the pitch.

"Even though the off-the-field stuff has nothing to do with his ability, it’s always mentioned and that is the difference between the legends, and the great, great players. It doesn’t help you when you want certain personal accolades. Like the Ballon d’Or where we have seen Vinicius and Rodri. I’m sure he will still be considered a legend at Man City, and in the Premier League. Without the off-the-field issues, Kyle would have been more widely respected."

Walker has made over 400 Premier League appearances across spells at Tottenham, Aston Villa and Manchester City. He has six title triumphs to his name, alongside FA Cup and Champions League wins, and has been named in the PFA Team of the Year on four occasions.