'I thought I'd enjoy it more' - Mary Earps opens up on struggles with fame amid heroic performances for England and Man Utd

Speaking to the Telegraph, Earps admitted she thought she would enjoy becoming well known more than she has done. The new Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper revealed that the fame can sometimes be "overwhelming", while she will beat herself up worrying about whether or not she has given enough back in fan interactions.

Largely thanks to her role with the Lionesses at Euro 2022 and beyond, but backed up by top Manchester United performances, Earps has been one of the faces of the developing women's game in England. She is a two-time winner of The Best FIFA Women's Goalkeeper award and was named BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2023, which has led to appearances on various television shows like A League of Their Own, Beat the Chasers and The Jonathan Ross Show.

Earps said: "I am not a celebrity! How is it? It's hard to put into words really. I find it difficult. I thought I would enjoy it more than I do and I don't mean that in any sort of negative way.

"It is overwhelming sometimes. I really care. I really care about the fans and wanting them to feel like they are welcome to be themselves and have a place if they found love in women's sport and women's football. I love that.

"But what I do find difficult is that when it's unexpected, or someone creeps up on your shoulder, or if you are thinking about something and then somebody's there. Sometimes I feel bad and think: 'Did I speak to that person enough? Did I interact with them enough?' That bit I find hard. It's hard to always be on your A-game. But I feel a big responsibility."

Earps is now officially a PSG player after her arrival in France on a two-year contract was confirmed two days after United announced her departure. It has brought a long-running saga to a close. But, before the 31-year-old can focus on the new chapter of her club career, she will report for duty with England for July's national team camp.