Annie Kilner and Kyle Walker have welcomed their fifth child together, a baby girl. The former model and Burnley FC star confirmed the happy news via a social media post, asking fans to respect their privacy after the news leaked before their official announcement.
"Our precious baby girl is here safe. Speechless with the amount of love we all feel and the joy she's already brought to our family," Kilner wrote in an Instagram story. "Would have liked to enjoy our private family time together for a bit longer, but we know news travels fast. Hoping now we have announced our special news, everyone respects our request for privacy as we enjoy these special moments."
Family Announcement and Background
It was previously reported that Annie and Kyle, who met as teenagers in Sheffield, shared news of the pregnancy with their families over the Christmas period. The couple already share four sons: Roman, 11, Riaan, seven, Reign, five, and Rezon, one.
In February, Annie revealed they were expecting a girl, their first daughter. In a defiant social media post, she wrote: "We're delighted to be expecting our baby girl. I won't be entertaining any speculation or drama around such a personal, private and happy moment for me and my family!"
Positive Impact on Relationship
The pregnancy brought Annie and Kyle closer together, according to a source who spoke to The Sun. "Kyle and Annie are in such a good place, and this baby has brought them even closer together. This baby is already bringing them so much joy, not only as a couple but as a family. Their boys are thrilled. Annie is a devoted mum, and she is so excited to be bringing another child into the world. For her and Kyle, this baby feels very much like it was meant to be. They've never been closer, and they are so excited for their family to grow."
Kyle Walker's International Retirement
The arrival comes after Kyle announced his retirement from international football earlier this year. He said: "Playing for England has always been the greatest honour of my career. Every time I pulled on the shirt, it meant a huge amount to me and my family. After a lot of thought, this feels like the right moment to step away and allow the next generation of players to come through."
Annie added: "Kyle has always taken so much pride in playing for England and it has meant the world to him. As a family we have shared so many special moments watching him represent his country, and our four boys have grown up seeing how much the England shirt means to their dad. International football asks a lot of players and their families, but we could not be prouder of everything he has achieved and the career he has had with England."
Previous Speculation and Current Status
Last year, reports suggested Annie was considering divorce following infidelities, but the Mirror later revealed this was not the case. Cheshire sources close to the couple described speculation that Annie stayed with Kyle for his finances as "nonsense." Reports claimed Annie was pausing divorce discussions due to talk of Kyle moving to Saudi Arabia, where he could earn over £400,000 per week. However, Kyle signed for Burnley, remaining in England.
