Tottenham defender Kyle Walker to reopen Twitter account despite abuse

Kyle Walker Walker was ruled out with a toe injury he suffered in Tottenham 2-0 win over Fulham on the final day of the season. The right-back recently won the PFA Young Player of the Year and was recently rewarded with a new five-year contrac (Getty Images)

Kyle Walker has vowed to reopen the Twitter account he closed after receiving criticism for his performances on the social networking site last month.

The Tottenham defender shut his kyle28walker account, which had over a quarter of a million followers, after becoming angry at those who had hit out at his poor showing in Tottenham's 4-2 home defeat to Chelsea 13 days ago.

The England right-back explained that he had come off Twitter because he wanted to concentrate on football after what has been a mixed start to the season for the ambitious 22-year-old from Sheffield.

He revealed he would reactivate the account shortly, however, admitting he misses interacting with the club's fans, who have taken to him after he enjoyed an outstanding breakthrough season last term.

"I will be back on it shortly," Walker told Press Association Sport at an event to publicise the Topps Match Attax Tour.

"I just thought with my form it was time to concentrate on my football rather then tweeting.

"But I will definitely be back on it because I like to have a bit of banter with the fans and it's good to give the fans something back because they are coming to support us every game."

Walker is not the first player to have shut his account. Darron Gibson and Danny Simpson both came off Twitter after receiving abuse while others have removed their profiles after getting in to trouble with their clubs and the authorities.

The former Sheffield United defender was clearly angered by some of the tweets he received following his display against Chelsea, and he admits he will have to learn to take any more abuse that comes his way when he returns to the site.

"When people say silly things you have to be a bit thick skinned and try and not make it bother you, but sometimes some comments do hurt because you go out there every week to try your best and you don't want to disappoint anyone," Walker said.

"You just have to overcome it and get on with it. People are entitled to their opinions."

Last year Walker enjoyed a hugely successful season in which he was compared to Roberto Carlos, scored a magnificent derby winner against Arsenal, and won the Professional Footballers' Association Young Player of the Year award.

The pacy full-back admits his form has been patchy at times this season, however.

"My form has been a bit up and down to be truthful. I couldn't tell you why," Walker said.

"I had a good season last season so to keep that standard is very high.

"I will try and keep doing what I did last season and hopefully everything will fall in to place.

"I am prepared to work after training...that will make me a better player."

One player whose form has not been questioned this season is Walker's team-mate Jermain Defoe.

Defoe struggled to make Harry Redknapp's first team last season, but he has looked sharp since Andre Villas-Boas' arrival, scoring eight goals for club and country so far this year.

The 30-year-old will no doubt be looking to add to that tally tomorrow when Tottenham welcome Wigan to White Hart Lane in the Barclays Premier League.

Walker thinks Defoe is in just as good form now as he was three years ago when he put five past Wigan in Tottenham's stunning 9-1 win at White Hart Lane.

"I don't think he has ever dropped that form (since the 9-1 win)," Walker added.

"He is one of the first in the gym and he does his finishing after training as well so he is getting the rewards he didn't get last season.

"He is someone young strikers look up to and will learn a lot off, not just in terms of his goalscoring, but his attitude as well.

"He is a pleasure to play with."

PA