Italian media express their strong opinions on Kyle Walker following AC Milan’s Champions League exit.

The Italian media have shared their views on Kyle Walker following his start in AC Milan’s 2-1 aggregate loss to Feyenoord on Tuesday, which saw them eliminated from this season’s Champions League.

The 34-year-old defender featured at San Siro as Milan looked to overturn a one-goal deficit. However, their hopes took an early hit when former Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez scored just 40 seconds in, leveling the tie on aggregate. The situation worsened when Theo Hernandez received a second yellow card for simulation after going down in the penalty area.

Milan’s struggles continued in the 71st minute when Julian Carranza headed past Mike Maignan, securing Feyenoord’s place in the round of 16, where they will face either Inter Milan or Arsenal. Despite efforts from Joao Felix and Rafael Leao, Milan couldn’t avoid elimination.

Walker, who joined Milan on loan from Manchester City, had expressed his ambition to win the Champions League with the club, saying: “Winning the Champions League would be a dream come true.” However, that dream has been cut short this season.

Italian media reactions were mixed, with most attention focused on Hernandez’s red card. Some outlets criticized Walker’s performance. Corriere della Sera rated him 5.5/10, noting that his leadership alone wasn’t enough and pointing out his lack of resistance on the equalizer. Football Italia was more positive, giving him a 6.5/10 and praising his leadership, concentration, and defensive stability. La Gazzetta dello Sport also rated him 5.5.

Speaking to Sky Italia after the match, Walker commented on Hernandez’s dismissal, saying he hadn’t seen the incident but shared that the referee was convinced it was a clear simulation.