The England ace has been in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons after reporting late for World Cup duty and then revealing a tattoo of a gun on his leg.
But Walker claims Sterling is victimised and says it is ridiculous his team-mate is already coping abuse before a ball has even been kicked at the World Cup.
Now he wants Sterling’s critics to lay-off to give the Manchester City star the best chance of doing his country proud in Russia.
Asked if Sterling has been unfairly picked on, Walker said: “I think a little bit.
“It’s just Raheem. He probably won’t change for anyone, that’s just him and I wouldn’t want him to change for anyone because he’s a lovely person.
Walker, who arrived in Russia last night with the rest of Southgate’s 23-man squad, insists Sterling is misunderstood and someone with enough talent to set the World Cup alight.