goalkeeper Mary Earps has slammed Nike for their ‘hurtful’ decision to not make her goalkeeper shirt available to purchase for supporters.
Earps will be the Lionesses No.1 at the Women’s World Cup this summer after playing a key role in their victory at the Euros last year.
The 30-year-old was also crowned the world’s best goalkeeper at the 2022 FIFA Best awards in February.
But ahead of England’s World Cup opener against Haiti on Saturday, fans are unable to purchase her replica shirt for the national team due to a commercial decision by kit manufacturer Nike.
‘I can’t really sugar-coat this in any way, so I am not going to try. It is hugely disappointing and very hurtful,’ Earps told reporters in Brisbane.
‘It is something that I have been fighting behind closed doors, I have been trying to go through the correct channels as much as possible.
‘Which is why I have not spoken on it publicly, even though I have been asked a lot about it over the past few months because I have been desperately trying to find a solution with the FA and with Nike.
‘Unfortunately, it has become very evident that is not possible and there is not going to be an acceptable solution for the young kids out there.
‘It is very, on a personal level, it is obviously hugely hurtful considering the last 12 months especially – and also I think there has been an incredible rise in goalkeeping participation over that year.
‘For my own family and friends and loved ones not to be able to buy my shirt, like they are going to come out and wear normal clothes and I know that sounds like, “oh Mary, what a horrible problem”, but on a personal level that is really hard.
‘All my teammates have ordered a lot of shirts for their friends and family. They are talking about it at the dinner table: ‘Oh, I wasn’t able to get this.’ And I’m thinking: ‘I can’t get it at all.’ There are a lot of people who have spent a tremendous amount of money on outfield shirts and then put a number one and Earps on the back, which doesn’t sit well with me either.
‘Millie [Bright] spoke to me [a while ago] and said: ‘My niece is desperate to get your shirt, where can I get it?’ I was like: ‘You can’t, it doesn’t exist.’ That is a huge problem and it is a scary message that is being sent to goalkeepers worldwide, that you are not important.’
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