Former England goalkeeper Mary Earps says she is excited to return to the Women’s Super League after signing a two-year deal with London City Lionesses. Reflecting on how much women’s football has evolved, Earps compared her recent high-profile unveiling in London with her much simpler introduction at Wolfsburg eight years ago, when her agent had to improvise her announcement photo.
Earps, 33, spent the last two seasons with Paris Saint-Germain but felt increasingly drawn to returning to England. She explained that, at this stage of her career, she wants to make the most of the years she has left in the game and felt that competing in the WSL again, playing in front of English fans, and being part of the country’s football culture were important factors in her decision.
A key influence in choosing London City was a conversation with the club’s owner, Michele Kang. Earps was impressed by Kang’s personal involvement, commitment to women’s football, and enthusiasm about the club’s future. She also appreciated the club’s ambitious plans, including the development of a new training facility, and felt their goals aligned closely with her own.
Although she enjoyed her time in Paris and praised PSG’s outstanding facilities, Earps admitted that the French league was not as competitive as she had hoped. Nevertheless, she has no regrets about making the move and values the experience she gained both on and off the pitch.
Earps believes some people have forgotten about her since she left England, with some even asking whether she is still playing. However, she feels she has continued to perform at a high level and is looking forward to showing what she can do back in the WSL.
Despite retiring from international football, Earps remains highly motivated. She acknowledges that stepping away from the England team means she is no longer at the centre of discussions about the world’s best goalkeepers, but she is determined to keep improving and contributing at club level.
Looking ahead, Earps has no immediate plans to retire. She says she still loves football, believes she can continue developing as a player, and hopes to play for several more years. While she admits the physical demands of the game become more noticeable with age, her passion for football remains strong, and she intends to keep playing for as long as she enjoys it.
Be the first to comment