England goalkeeper Earps hoping to win ‘a few more trophies’ at PSG

By Alagbe Shenayon On Aug 5, 2024

England goalkeeper Mary Earps described her decision to leave Manchester United this summer as a “tough choice,” but expressed her hopes of adding “a few more trophies to the cabinet” after joining Paris St-Germain.

The 31-year-old shared her thoughts on the latest episode of the Tooney & Russo Show, filmed in Ibiza with her former United teammates Ella Toone and Alessia Russo, along with presenter Vick Hope.

Earps, who joined United in 2019 and contributed to their FA Cup victory last year, noted that the team finished fifth in the Women’s Super League last season, 20 points behind champions Chelsea and three places lower than the previous season.

PSG, having qualified for the Women’s Champions League for six consecutive seasons and reaching the semi-finals in 2023-24, was an appealing opportunity for Earps.

She mentioned having developed “great relationships” in Manchester but was drawn to PSG by “the chance to play for a top team in major competitions” and to be “in a position to win silverware.”

The keeper, who played a key role in England’s Euro 2022 victory and was awarded the Golden Glove during the Women’s World Cup final in 2023, said she is eager for continued success.

“It’s like an itch you can never scratch enough,” Earps, who was born in Nottingham, told the podcast about wanting to win more silverware.

Meanwhile, United and England midfielder Toone said she was “really sad” to see another friend depart the squad, following Russo’s transfer to Arsenal last summer, but also “so happy” for Earps.

“She deserves everything,” said Toone, 24, adding: “Mary’s dream – and it always has been – is to play at the highest level, play in the Champions League and that’s what she’s done.”

Earps acknowledged that she and United academy graduate Toone initially “clashed a lot” due to their “strong personalities,” but they had “formed a strong bond over the past year.”

Regarding her transition to Paris, Earps remarked, “I plan to dive right in. I hope to quickly learn the language and connect well with the team.”

The goalkeeper, who was named BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year in 2023, is the latest high-profile player to leave United on a free transfer. Striker Russo and full-back Ona Batlle both left last year after their contracts expired, joining Arsenal and Barcelona, respectively.

This summer, captain Katie Zelem departed after not being offered a new deal, and Spain forward Lucia Garcia signed with Mexican club Monterrey.

Earps had previously stated that United was entering a “period of transition” that “did not align” with her career goals.