Mary Earps has opened up about her move to London City Lionesses, revealing that the club's bold ambitions and owner Michele Kang's genuine belief in women's football convinced her to return to the Women's Super League.
A New Chapter
The former England goalkeeper, who signed a two-year contract with London City after two seasons at Paris Saint-Germain, was impressed by the club's grand unveiling. Unlike her low-key arrival at Wolfsburg eight years ago, this time she was welcomed with a glamorous photoshoot on a boat on the Thames, with Tower Bridge in the background. 'The energy and effort put into the shoot, I would never have imagined this even five years ago,' Earps said. 'All I keep saying is: "I'm so excited," but that shoot just poured petrol on the excitement fire.'
Why London City?
Earps explained that the decision to return to England was driven by a desire to be home and compete in the WSL again. 'I had an amazing time in Paris for two years, in a really special city, but last year I was sort of swaying more and more towards coming home,' she said. 'Every contract now, with where I'm at in my career, it's just about maxing out with whatever I've got left in the tank, and I wanted to do that at home.'
A video call with owner Michele Kang sealed the deal. 'She showed a real energy for me to join. I found it really impressive that she even made the time for me,' Earps said. 'She really believes in women's football. I really respect her.'
Facilities and Vision
The club's plans for a new training centre at Cobdown Park in Ditton also appealed to Earps, who had experienced world-class facilities at PSG. 'In women's football, I'll be brutally honest, when you've experienced everything, you don't expect perfection. But their intention and the plan... it feels tangible and more real,' she said. 'Their vision and the way they're actively working towards it, it's not just words, it feels very much like action.'
No Regrets About PSG
Earps insisted she has no regrets about her time in Paris, despite the league being less competitive than hoped. 'The facilities are the best facilities I've ever trained at in my whole entire life. You could eat dinner off the pitches,' she said. 'I'd rather give it a go and look back with no regrets.'
Feeling Forgotten
The goalkeeper acknowledged that many fans think she has vanished since leaving the WSL. 'People ask me if I'm still playing, which is sometimes a bit hard to hear because I'm like: "Guys, still here, I'm still around, I'm still alive and kicking." But I understand that's how football is,' she said.
Looking Ahead
Earps, who turns 34 in March, has no plans to retire soon. 'There's still some fight in the old dog,' she said. 'I want to play until the wheels fall off a little bit. I want to avoid going into the real world for as long as possible because football is a pretty good job.'
