Mary Earps interview: Ex-England goalkeeper says ‘I’ve not written the book to tear anyone down’

Earps told the BBC on Friday that he felt “ready and happy to share” that he was in a same-sex relationship with his partner Kitty.

He says his time at Wolfsburg in 2018-2019 helped him see things differently and although it was “confusing” when he met Kitty, he is proud of their relationship.

“I don’t see sexuality as linear. I don’t label anything. It’s being brave enough to say, ‘Yes, this is my relationship and I’m proud of it, I’m not ashamed,'” Earps added.

“I’ve always tried to keep my relationships private, but that’s unrealistic when you’re writing a book about honesty and authenticity.”

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

The Earps were worried whether her family would accept Kitty at that moment.

“My family means a lot to me and so does my relationship. We had challenges to deal with but thankfully we are over them now,” he added.

Having a family of her own had also been on the Earps’ mind for several years, and she froze her eggs for later use in fertility treatment.

“It was a crazy, invasive process. I would love to be a mother and have a family, but I also love playing football,” Earps said.

“Some actors get pregnant, it’s their right and they’re doing a great job. I’d rather not do that. I hope to have a child in the future if the universe allows it.

“There were a few questions I couldn’t answer. You’re pumped with hormones for X number of days and then you have the surgery.

“There are general medical recommendations, but it would be great to do research on specific athletes. Is there a particular load or exercise you should do? Do you need to avoid certain things?”