Kyle Walker speaks out after breaching lockdown to visit his sister in Sheffield

The Manchester City defender, who grew up in Sharrow, admitted breaking the rules by travelling to see his sister and parents but claimed he is being ‘harassed’ by the media following the latest stories.

Police in Sheffield notice 'considerable upturn in traffic' despite coronavirus lockdown

He had been forced to issue an apology last month following reports he hosted a party at his home.

In a statement on Twitter, he wrote: “I have recently gone through one of the toughest periods of my life, which I take full responsibility for.

"However, I now feel as thought I am being harassed.

"This is no longer solely affecting me, but affecting the health of my family and my young children too."

Reverend and The Makers' Jon McClure plays Zoom gig for Sheffield health workers

Walker admitted flouting the regulations again by visiting his family – for which he could be fined and cautioned by police.

"In relation to the events on Wednesday, I travelled to Sheffield to give my sister a birthday card and present, but also to speak to one of the few people I believe I can trust in my life," he said.

"She hugged me to remind me that she cares and that I am loved. What am I meant to do - push her away?

"I then travelled to my parents' house to pick up some home-cooked meals. Again, it's been an extremely tough couple of months for them."

Sheffield MP calls for urgent action after surge in domestic abuse during lockdown

But he criticised press intrusion into his family’s life, asking: “What have my parents and sister done to deserve their privacy being invaded by photographers following me to their homes?”