Kyle Walker has bid farewell to Manchester City after leaving the club - and England - having joined AC Milan on loan in Italy.
The footballer, 34, has decided on seeking a new challenge last month after a difficult campaign with the Premier League champions.
However the sportsman has also dominated the headlines due to his paternity scandal with Lauryn Goodman after it was revealed in December 2023 that he had fathered a second child with the reality star.
After attempting to patch up his marriage with Annie Kilner, 33, the WAG, who shares four children with Kyle and was pregnant at the time Kyle's infidelity was revealed, filed for divorce.
However the pair put a united front this Christmas at the family home and they are now reportedly hoping for a fresh start in Italy, away from Lauryn for good.
An insider told The Sun that Annie is making the move for the sake of the children.
They explained: 'Getting away from the UK and the noise surrounding Kyle's scandals is what they desperately need. They feel smothered.
Kyle Walker hopes his move to Italy will FINALLY put Lauryn Goodman scandal behind him after 'traumatic' year for the footballer and his wife Annie Kilner
The sportsman has dominated the headlines due to his paternity scandal with Lauryn after it was revealed in December 2023 that he had fathered a second child with the reality star
'It's been a traumatic 12 months and they now just want to put it behind them and attempt to lead some sort of normal existence for a while.'
MailOnline have contacted Kyle's representatives for comment.
Lauryn rang Annie in December 2023 to inform her that he was the father of her second child, Kinara, after he previously fathered son Kairo with Lauryn back in 2019.
Lauryn and the kids currently reside in a £2.4million Sussex mansion owned by Kyle which was purchased as part of her outlandish demands for child maintenance contributions.
On Friday Kyle took to Instagram to pin a goodbye message to City and their fans as he prepares to start his new life abroad.
'Manchester City… where do I start? Signing for this incredible club in 2017 was a dream come true. Seven years later, winning 17 trophies, including the Champions League and the famous treble is something I could only have dreamt as a child.
'To play alongside so many top players has pushed me to be the best version of myself, and I'm truly grateful for the opportunity I've had at the Etihad.
'A huge thank you to so many people, the coaching staff, the kit men and all the backroom staff who work tirelessly behind the scenes. You make every day enjoyable and provide the platform for us to perform at our best.
An insider said: 'Getting away from the UK and the noise surrounding Kyle's sex scandals is what they desperately need. They feel smothered'
Kyle has bid farewell to Manchester City after leaving the club - and England - having joined AC Milan on loan in Italy
He penned a message to his family, Manchester City and AC Milan as the move was confirmed
'To my teammates, from the moment I walked through the door I felt at home. Thank you for the great memories and for all the success we have shared together. You are friends, but also family for life.
'To Pep Guardiola, thank you for believing in me and working so hard to bring me here in 2017. Together, we've celebrated 17 trophies, and your guidance has helped shape me into the player I am today. I'll be forever grateful.
'To Annie, our children and all my family who have been there and supported me on this journey thank you.
'Most importantly, to the fans—thank you for embracing me as one of your own from day one. Your unwavering support, week in, week out, home and away, will never be forgotten.
'I wish you all constant success going forward. Thank you. Kyle.'
