Kyle lockdown regret

KYLE WALKER has revealed his regret at flouting lockdown rules earlier this year as he broke his silence on the controversy that saw him branded a ‘Covidiot’.

The Manchester City and England defender landed himself in hot water in April by hosting a house party at the height of the lockdown. In May, Walker breached the regulations for a second time by driving to visit his parents and sister.

But the incidents did not hinder Walker’s displays post-lockdown, culminating

in his england recall. And speaking about the flashpoints, Walker said: ‘It was a bad decision from me at an important time for the country and the world. I take full responsibility for that.

‘ Obviously me and the boss (Gareth Southgate) spoke after the lockdown incidents and, you know, he assured me that we all make mistakes.

‘Mine was on a bigger scale and gets magnified with me being in the public eye and a role model to young children growing up, so I have to take full responsibility for my actions, which I have done.

‘Now I’m just moving on. I’m so happy to be here. It’s lovely to see some of the lads again that you don’t get to see so regularly.’

Walker was an integral member of the World Cup squad who finished fourth in 2018. And he added: ‘That’s the standards we set for ourselves as a team and as a country after what we produced in the World Cup.

‘Would everyone have thought we’d have got to a semi-final in a World Cup? Probably not.

‘But I think we changed the nation and how they perceive the england team now.

‘So it’s an honour and a privilege to be here finally after so long, and hopefully I can produce the goods on the training pitch.’