Mary Earps interview: Former England goalkeeper says ‘I didn’t write the book to tear anyone apart’

Earps told the BBC on Friday that she felt “ready and happy to share” that she was in a same-sex relationship with her partner, Katie.

She says her time at Wolfsburg in 2018-19 helped her see things differently, and although it was “confusing” when she met Katie, she is proud of their relationship.

Earps added: “I don’t see sexuality as linear. I don’t label things. It’s brave to say yes, this is my relationship and I’m proud of it — I’m not ashamed.”

“I’ve always tried to keep my relationships private, but that’s not realistic when you write a book with integrity and authenticity.”

During the 2023 Women’s World Cup, Earps reveals in the book that Kitty had an argument with the goalkeeper’s father after hearing “hurtful things” about their relationship.

Earps worried if her family would accept Kitty at that moment.

She added: “My family means a lot to me, and so does my relationship. There were difficulties that we had to overcome, but we have overcome that now, fortunately.”

Having a family of her own has also been something on Earps’ mind for a few years and she froze her eggs for later use in fertility treatment.

“It’s been a crazy, intrusive process. I would love to be a mother and have a family but I love playing soccer,” Earps said.

“Some players go out and get pregnant which is their right and they do a great job. I’d rather not do that. I want, if the universe allows it, to have a baby later on.”

“There were some questions I couldn’t answer. You are pumped with hormones for X number of days and then undergo the procedure.

“There is general medical advice, but it would be great to do research on specific athletes. Are there certain exercises or exercises that you should do? Should you avoid certain things?”