Mary Earps is preparing for what could be one of the most poignant moments of her career as she edges closer to a Women's Super League comeback, with the possibility of facing her former side Manchester United in London City Lionesses' season opener on Friday at 19:00 BST.
The goalkeeper, who spent five seasons at Old Trafford before departing for Paris St-Germain, admitted there was something fitting about a potential reunion with United so soon after her return to English football. During her time at the club, Earps rose to become England's number one, twice claimed FIFA's goalkeeper of the year award, and made more than 100 appearances, including a run that helped United lift their first major trophy in 2024.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Earps reflected on the warmth she still feels toward her old club. "United has changed a lot since I left, but I spent five wonderful years there and I made amazing memories," she said. "I won an FA Cup and met a lot of incredible people. I know the fans don't change - they are still as hardcore as ever."
Earps was central to England's Euro 2022 triumph and the Lionesses' run to the 2023 World Cup final, achievements that turned her into one of the most recognisable figures in English football and earned her the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award in 2023. Even after leaving United, she was given a warm reception when she returned to Old Trafford last season with PSG, and a mural of her still stands outside the stadium.
Her two years in Paris, where she made 22 league appearances, came after the release of a book last November that generated significant media attention. Despite the scrutiny, Earps says she values the perspective her time abroad gave her. "I'm grateful for all the amazing love and support that I've had over the years, but it was nice to be away," she explained. "PSG is a great club. Getting to experience the Parc des Princes, the French food, the Parisian way of life and the language - I think it was good for me. I'm an intense person, especially when I'm on the pitch, so it was good for me to be able to take a period of reflection away from the craziness in England."
Still, the pull of English football proved strong enough to bring her home. "I missed the English football culture - the way you feel when you walk into a stadium, the electricity of the crowd, the feeling around women's football in this country," Earps said. "I knew I was probably going to miss that going away which is why I'm so excited to be back. Distance makes the heart grow fonder."
The 33-year-old joins a London City side that has made high-profile additions this summer, including two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas and Spain international Mapi Leon. Earps started in both of the club's pre-season fixtures but acknowledged she will need to fight for the starting goalkeeper role, with Elene Lete having impressed during the previous campaign. "Elene did a great job last year and it won't be easy between us to see who starts," Earps said. "I just want to contribute to the team's success and hopefully that is playing a lot of games and being a part of their history in some small way."
Having retired from international duty in 2025, Earps has signed a two-year deal with London City and insists she is far from finished at club level. "I want to continue to play at the highest level, to win at the highest level for as long as possible and to be a part of something special," she said. "I really do believe that London City will go on to do great things for a long time... I still feel like I've got a lot to give and hopefully there's some fantastic days around the corner."
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.