🔗 Share this article

Goalkeeper Mary Earps has emphatically said that her recently published personal story was never intended to “tear anyone down” and voiced unease that media response has been “misrepresented.”

Disputed Remarks and Public Criticism

The ex-Lionesses goalkeeper, who was instrumental in the Euro 2022 victory, received criticism from followers and Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor after sharing views about past Lioness Hannah Hampton and coach Sarina Wiegman.

In her book, Earps wrote that she told Wiegman she was “encouraging negative conduct” by reinstating Hampton to the national team after dropping her for being “unruly and inconsistent.”

“It’s been really overwhelming to see how certain aspects were twisted,” Earps stated publicly.

Clarifying Her Purpose

Earps clearly stated that her book was not meant to harm individuals.

• “My memoir wasn’t created to criticize others in any shape or form.”
• “That doesn’t reflect my character as a person.”
• “These are real events. It has repercussions. It is not a show.”

She also commented on how women’s football has evolved into a realm that has become “almost like performance,” where individual stories are scrutinized heavily for people’s enjoyment.

Relationship with Wiegman

Earps wrote about being replaced as the first-choice keeper ahead of the tournament and how that affected their dynamic with Wiegman.

She stated it was “not a rapid decline” in their connection—just a divergence in opinions—and she still respects the manager.

“There were things that happened in the summer that I hoped had unfolded otherwise,” Earps added.

Personal Struggles

In her memoir, Earps shared details of the mistreatment she experienced at during her education, describing it as a “really hard” part to read again because it reawakened old wounds.

• “I failed to defend myself at that time.”
• “I frequently thought that people were against me for the majority of my years.”
• “I was conditioned to feel like no one truly cared.”

These sentiments led to anxiety episodes, and Earps revealed she faced challenges with self-perception and used alcohol during the global health crisis to handle emotional difficulties.

Personal Life and Future Plans

Earps openly discussed that she is in a partnership with Kitty and shared her happiness about her relationship.

She also talked about her hopes for motherhood and revealed she has frozen her eggs for potential family planning.

“I really want to be a parent and have a household,” Earps stated. “I am passionate about soccer, but I aspire to have a child in the future.”

Earps portrayed the medical treatment as “overwhelming and personal” and advocated for more research tailored to sports professionals undergoing similar procedures.

In her statements, Earps reiterated that she has no second thoughts about her career or personal choices, stressing that she always acted with integrity.