It was quite a move that PSG announced this Saturday. Considered one of the best goalkeepers in the world, Mary Earps left Manchester United to sign with the Parisian club until 2026. Voted Sports Personality of the Year by the BBC last year, the international goalkeeper (31 years old, 50 caps) is very popular in England. “They call me the queen of Tik Tok”she smiles, referring to her number of subscribers (1.2 million) on the social network, before explaining to us her choice to join France.
“You spent almost your entire career in England. Was it difficult to leave?
Yes, it’s hard to leave your home country. These last few years in England have been incredible. (she won the FA Cup last season with Manchester United). I received a lot of messages of thanks after the announcement of my departure. There is a very big community around women’s football in England, the crowds are incredible. I hope the PSG fans will appreciate me as much, even if I will have to earn their respect for that.
What do you know about the Arkema Première Ligue?
I watched a bit of the matches via YouTube or streaming. I know some of the players, it’s a Championship that has tightened up a lot in recent years and has become more competitive. I have the feeling that there are still a few details missing for it to be even better known.
“It would be good if the numbers in France continued to increase, as has been the case in England in recent years.”
Precisely, what is your view on the professionalization of French women’s football compared to England?
From what I’ve seen from afar, a lot of steps have been taken but there are still more to go. I can understand that people say: “why is she leaving England?”, but I want to help the French Championship grow. I have the impression that we always want to make comparisons with England. Yes, it’s a very strong Championship with fantastic attendances but there are also big disparities between the top 3 and the rest of the teams. It’s the same in France. When I saw the PSG training ground, I said to myself: “this is crazy”. It’s so good. Whether it’s here or in England, some clubs need a little more help than others.
Were you surprised to see the low turnout?
of the match between England and France in Saint-Étienne on June 4?
Some French players I know, like Melvine Malard, who played with me at Manchester United, had warned me that Saint-Étienne was not necessarily easy to get to. But it would be good if the attendances in France continued to increase, as has been the case in England in recent years.
Do you think your arrival can create interest in England for the Arkema Premier League?
I hope so! The French Championship is not very popular because there are not many English players who play there. I hope that will change with my arrival and especially that my performances will help.
