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      Why has Mary Earps retired from the England national team?

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      MARY EARPS shocked the footballing world after announcing her retirement from the England national team.Lionesses legend Earps, 32, was the goalkeeper for England’s Euro triumph in 2022 and the World Cup final in 2023, in which she pulled off a stunning penalty save.Mary Earps was England’s Euro-winning goalkeeper in 2022Credit: PAAnd Earps saved a penalty in the World Cup final a year afterCredit: AFPThe former Manchester United ace was crowned a two-time Fifa Women’s Best Goalkeeper, and also BBC Sport Personality of the Year in 2023.But just five weeks before the start of the 2025 Euros, 53-cap star Marps announced her retirement with immediate effect.Why has Mary Earps retired from international football?Mary Earps was in a battle with Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton for the No1 spot in boss Sarina Wiegman’s starting XI for the upcoming Euros in Switzerland.Hampton was picked in England’s last three Nations League matches – against Spain and the double header against Belgium.And according to The Telegraph, Earps quit in a meeting after being told she was now back-up to Hampton.Earps said in her announcement: “I have taken the difficult decision to retire internationally. It has been the greatest honour and privilege of my life, to wear this badge, represent my country and play alongside such an incredible group of players.”I’ve spent a long time making this decision and it’s not one I’ve made lightly.”For me, ultimately this is the right time for me to step aside and give the younger generation an opportunity to thrive.Most read in Football”Winning the Euros in 2022 was the best day of my life, and I’m rooting for the girls to do it again this summer.”While in a cryptic Instagram post, Earps added: “My journey has never been the simplest, and so in true Mary fashion, this isn’t a simple goodbye – right before a major tournament.England stars celebrate historic Euro 2022 victory in dressing room after beating Germany 2-1“Nonetheless, I know this is the right decision.”There are so many dimensions to this decision, the details of which aren’t important right now, but what it boils down to is: it’s now the right moment for me to step aside.“This is a new era and a new England team, and I’m looking forward to watching them this summer. In the end, all you have is all you are – your character.”And I know that whilst this won’t make sense to some who are reading this, you can trust that I would not be doing this unless I thought it was absolutely the right thing to do, as much as it hurts.”Sarina Wiegman was questioned about Earps’ retirementCredit: GettyThe announcement sparked a furious response from Lionesses coach Wiegman.The Dutch coach said: “I had hoped that Mary would play an important role within the squad this summer, so of course I am disappointed.”Mary has been clear on her reasons why she has made the decision and it is something we need to accept.“Mary has made a huge contribution to not only the team, but the whole of English football.Read More on The Sun“We will cherish those memories and of course give Mary the tributes she deserves after the summer.”But for now the focus needs to be on the upcoming Uefa Women’s Nations League fixtures and the Euros.” More

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      England and Arsenal ace Michelle Agyemang insists ‘there is more to come from her’ with the Lionesses ahead of the Euros

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      SURREAL is how Michelle Agyemang described her emergence as a senior England international this year. Last month the versatile Arsenal striker, 19, showed why Gunners and England legend Kelly Smith sees her as one of the club’s “fearless” rising stars. Michelle Agyemang could be set to make her second senior England appearance when the Lionesses face Portugal in the Women’s Nations League this eveningCredit: GettyLast month Agyemang scored 41 seconds into her senior England debut when the team played Belgium in the contestCredit: ReutersAgyemang’s international rise has been rapid with the striker playing for England’s Under-19s and Under-23s within the past 11 monthsCredit: GettySix days ago the Arsenal starlet was in Lisbon watching her club pals defeat Barcelona in the Women’s Champions League finalsCredit: GettyLess than a minute into her senior debut, the England ace let fly with a stunning volley that found its targets in a Nations League duel with Belgium.While the Lionesses fell to a 3-2 away loss in that game on April 4 Agyemang’s 16-minute cameo underlined why her rise through England’s ranks has been rapid. After scoring a hat-trick in a 10-0 demolition of Lithuania in the Women’s Under-19 Championship last July, the striker moved up to England’s Under-23s two months later. And just two months after scoring a brace against Germany in a friendly for the side, she received first call-up into Sarina Wiegman’s England squad.Read More Football StoriesOf her emergence as a senior international player, Agyemang said: “I’m a person of few words, so I’m struggling already.”I think it’s ‘surreal’, like, just the manner in which it happened. “There are so many more things to come and I’m just really grateful for the opportunity.”Agyemang’s appearance in England’s last Nations League outing came at a time of the team contending with injuries to Alessia Russo and Lauren James. Most read in FootballForward Lauren Hemp, now back in the squad after her comeback from injury, was also yet to return to match action for her club Manchester City. With the trio out, Wiegman opted to bring in Agyemang who impressed during her loan spell at Brighton from Arsenal last season, as well for the young Lionesses. Reflecting on her first call-up and being in England’s squad this month, she added: “When I got the phone-call [from Sarina when I was] just literally coming out of the shower, “It was unexpected, but I’m really grateful that she’s put the trust in me to come in and show what I can do for a longer period of time.”It was amazing to get that call and to be here again.”My family has been so supportive. When I was telling them my mum was screaming, my dad was shouting as well and then my friends as well.”Playing across three different age groups for England within 11 months does not phase Agyemang. The player who grew up in Southend, Essex and whose club journey with Arsenal began in their academy at six, is determined to deliver no matter which Lionesses side she plays for. Agyemang said: “Wherever I am (in whichever England team) it’s about just going out there, helping the team prepare and winning the trophy.”We still have the Under- 19’s Euros coming up (in June) as well as the senior Euros “It’s been interesting going through the different age groups, meeting different players and coaches. “But I think the England pathway is so similar across the board so it’s really easy to settle in no matter where I am.”Against Portugal at 7:45pm tonight Agyemang hopes to get another chance to make her mark and help England return to winning ways in the Nations League. Should Spain lose to Belgium, a defeat of their opponents at Wembley would see Wiegman’s side return to the top of their group. Agyemang’s last experience of being near Wembley’s pitch was during England’s 4-0 defeat of Northern Ireland in a World Cup qualifier in October 2021.She said: “I was 15 and was a ball girl. They had a few of the girls from (England’s) pathway there. Beth Mead scored (a hat-trick).”Tonight’s game will provide a chance for Agyemang to continue to impress with the striker targeting a place in Sarina Wiegman’s squad for this year’s Euros. In Switzerland on July 5 the Lionesses will begin their push to win the tournament for a second time with a group stage clash with France.Sarina Wiegman’s side are targeting back-to-back wins against Portugal and Spain in their last two Nations League outings before the EurosCredit: GettyAnd Agyemang hopes to be among the players included in Wiegman’s 26-strong group.Read More on The SunThe Arsenal starlet added: “I like to take things one at a time. “Coming here (to England’s camp), showing what I can do in order to maybe get on that plane is my first thought right now.” More

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      Sarina Wiegman ‘sad and disappointed’ by Mary Earps England retirement while Leah Williamson says keeper will be missed

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      SARINA WIEGMAN admitted to being “disappointed and sad” by Mary Earps calling time on her England career. And Leah Williamson revealed she was devastated, describing the former Lioness’s retirement as a huge loss for the team.England skipper Leah Williamson and head coach Sarina Wiegman expressed their sadness concerning Mary Earps’ international retirementCredit: PAWiegman is disappointed that Earps had called time on her England career and says she still wished the former Lionesses goalkeeper was part of her teamCredit: ReutersWilliamson, who together with Earps helped England win the 2022 Euros, described the goalkeeper as her “best friend in football”Credit: AlamyYesterday Wiegman and her captain publicly shared their thoughts in their first press conference in the wake of Earps’ bombshell announcement. Four days ago (May 26) the FA stated the Euros-winning shot stopper had decided to end run as an England player. And the Paris Saint-Germain ace, 32, also shared her career update via her Instagram account. Earps standing down from international duty five weeks before this year’s Euros, means the tournament’s reigning champions will defend their title without their most experienced goalkeeper.Read More Football StoriesHead coach Wiegman is due announce which players have made it into her squad for this year’s Euros in Switzerland on June 5. The Lioness boss, who still wants Earps as part of her squad, said: “I’m really disappointed and sad that she’s not part of the team because I want her in my team. “That (retirement decision) must have been a really hard decision for her and so it is for us. “There have been a couple of conversations which I don’t want to share publicly because that’s between us and it’s hard for her at the same time.”Most read in FootballEarps, who has 53 senior international caps, started in all six games during England’s run to becoming European Champions three years ago. In Australia in 2023, she played a significant role in England reaching the Women’s World Cup final for the first time in their history, Her performance in all seven games would see her win the tournament’s Golden Glove before later being voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year. During the contest’s final Earps produced a dramatic penalty save against Spain keeping out Jenni Hermoso’s spot-kick before her team fell to a 1-0 loss. However since last October the former Man United player has faced a battle to start with Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton. The Blues stopper started in five of England’s last eight international games. Williamson, 26, who skippered the team during the 2022 Euros, said: “I’m devastated (by her England retirement) because I love her and love being her teammate.”Mary is one of my closest friends in football. “We have an extra pair of shoes to fill and also in a number of different areas. “I’m sure the team will be ready for all those eventualities.”Earlier this week The Athletic reported that Sarina Wiegman had told Earps that she would not be her No1 keeper for this year’s Euros. And The Guardian reports Earps, had in April, informed the England boss that she was thinking of retiring. However Wiegman remained tight-lipped on the exact details of her conversation with Earps. The Lioness chief said: “I am in conversations with players all the time. “I don’t give any information about these private conversations we have.  “Hannah Hampton is now the number one. “Before that she was a little bit ahead but at moments you can’t look too far forward because you don’t know what things will happen. “Things in football can change very quickly.”England, who face Portugal at Wembley tomorrow and Spain away in the Nations League next Tuesday, have been hit by fitness issues. Aside from Ella Morris, 22, rupturing a knee ligament, Alessia Russo, 26, and Ella Toone, 25, will both miss tomorrow’s 7:45pm clash due to calf concerns.  And vice-captain Millie Bright, 31, withdrew from England’s camp earlier this week with Arsenal’s Lotte Wubben-Moy called up in her absence. On the Daly Brightness podcast she hosts with ex-Lioness team-mate Rachel Daly, the 88-capped centre-back explained she was at her limit “physically and mentally”. This term the Chelsea skipper led the Blues on a treble-winning trophy charge, lifting the FA and Women’s League Cups and claiming an eighth WSL title. Of her withdrawal from this month’s England camp Bright said: “That is a really hard decision. “But I think you know better than anyone as well – sometimes you just have to take that time for yourself.”You need to value yourself and your mental health and body, and just say that no, right now is not the time for you.”England will face Portugal and Spain in the Nations League without the services of Millie Bright with the Lioness vice-keeper withdrawing from their May campCredit: GettyBright’s England team-mate Williamson added: “That decision for Millie herself to say, ‘I need to take a break’ and to speak out about mental health is a brave thing to do.Read More on The Sun”She’s leading by example and I’ve personally given Millie a bit of space. “Naturally any support that she needs and anything that she needs from the team, we’ll be there to give it to her.” More

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      Eni Aluko snubbed by ITV for Lionesses’ first match since Ian Wright row with pundit’s future up in air

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      ENI ALUKO has reportedly been dropped by ITV for England Women’s first match since her row with Ian Wright.The former Lionesses star claimed in April that Wright, who works as a pundit on both men’s and women’s football, was blocking opportunities for female pundits to work in the women’s game.Eni Aluko has been snubbed by ITV for pundit duty for England Women’s first game since her row with Ian WrightCredit: GettyShe had accused the pundit of blocking opportunities for female punditsCredit: GettyAluko, 38, later apologised to the Wright, but the ex-Arsenal ace refused to accept it.And following the exchange, ITV have not selected Aluko for punditry duty as England face Portugal in the Nations League on Friday night.Anita Asante and Vicky Losada have been picked for punditry duty instead. And, according to the Daily Mail, the broadcaster has refused to confirm whether Aluko will be on its coverage of the Women’s European Championships this summer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLInsiders claim she may even be facing the axe completely, with one saying the choice not to select her for coverage against Portugal “does not bode well” for her future.ITV have been approached for comment.Aluko had been a regular sight on TV with TNT and ITV, often during Conference League matches involving the men’s side of her old club, Chelsea, and England Women’s international games.However, after her sensational row with Wright, she was not selected for any of the major Uefa finals by TNT Sports. Most read in FootballAt the end of April, Aluko had also quit her hosting duties at the Women’s Football Awards owing to the backlash her comments had generated.Wright has been a big advocate of the women’s game for a number of years and shown his support in a number of ways, which made Aluko’s criticism all the more bizarre.Quick-witted Roy Keane makes brutal three-word joke about Eni Aluko row that leaves Ian Wright in stitchesHe made an incredible gesture to Stoke City defender Kayleigh McDonald after she suffered a ruptured ACL was forced to set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds when the club refused to pay for surgery.Stoke eventually backtracked – largely thanks to Wright, it has been revealed, as he paid for a sports lawyer to advocate for McDonald.And when the club pulled funding for her rehab at the end of last year, Wright started paying for it out of his own pocket. The defender revealed that her rehab costs around £1,700-a-month.In the aftermath of the saga, ITV released a statement at the time backing Wright, which read: “Ian’s standing in the sport is beyond question. “As one of the UK’s most respected and much-loved footballers and sporting broadcasters, with a career spanning nearly four decades, Ian is an incredible advocate, ally and brilliant broadcaster of women’s football from a grassroots level as well as at the highest international competitions.”Ian Wright’s response to Eni Aluko’s apology”I’m very disappointed by what Eni has said.”She knows how I have helped her and supported her publicly, and I know the previous conversations she’s had with me and my management.”I’ve seen the apology on social media, but I can’t accept it, but I also want to move on from it. I don’t need any further social commentary directed at anyone.”The thing about where the women’s game is, it isn’t about me – it has to be about the collective.”Because of the past, we know the men blocked the women’s game for 50 years, because of the past we know the game has serious systemic challenges, and it’s going to take everyone to help fixes.”So for me, I always give back to the game, it’s given me so much.”It’s never bothered me about who’s playing the game, as long as they’re playing the game. if you know my story you’ll know how much football means to me.”We are the country that invented modern football, so we have a responsibility, to lead the way in women’s football.”We men are the ones that banned women’s football for 50 years, so we have to hold that one.”I need to say to everyone who has spoken about it publicly and showed love and support, I say thank you.”It’s something I do not take for granted.”It was reported last month that Aluko’s outburst had angered senior figures at ITV, who pride themselves on having a diverse and inclusive roster of pundits working on games for them.The 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand had seen ITV and rivals BBC have a combined 25 presenters, pundits and commentators, 23 of whom, including Aluko, were female.After facing Portugal this Friday, Sarina Wiegman’s side then face Spain on Tuesday in another Nations League clash.The games will serve as an early warm-up for this summer’s European Championships being held in Switzerland, with the Lionesses kicking off their campaign against France.Clashes with the Netherlands and Wales complete the group as England look to retain their European Championship crown won in 2022.Stars including Leah Williamson, Alessia Russo and Beth Mead joined the squad after winning the Women’s Champions League with Arsenal following a shock 1-0 win over Barcelona.Read More on The SunHowever, the camp was thrown into chaos with the sudden announcement that former Manchester United goalkeeper Mary Earps would be retiring from international football.That decision, which arrived just five weeks before Euro 2025, allegedly came despite Wiegman asking her not to retire before the Euros, which left the England boss furious with the U-turn. 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      England ace Ella Morris left ‘devastated’ by knee injury sustained five weeks before Women’s Euros

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      ENGLAND’S Ella Morris has had her Euros selection hopes shattered by a serious knee injury.The uncapped Lionesses defender, 22, ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament in her right knee during a training session. Ella Morris will miss England’s three remaining games ahead of the start of the Women’s Euros on July 2 after sustaining an ACL injuryCredit: GettyThe rising Tottenham star has returned to her club to begin working on her recovery weeks after receiving her first senior England call-upCredit: GettyThe injury to the Tottenham player, sustained five weeks before the July 2nd start of the Euros, means she will miss England’s bid to remain the tournament’s champions. Morris, who has returned to her club, will also miss the Lionesses’ Women’s Nations League clashes with Portugal tomorrow and Spain next Tuesday (June 3).The ex-Southampton player, who received her first senior international call-up this month,  has ruptured a knee ligament before at the age of 17. In a post published on her Instagram page, she wrote: “From the highest high to the lowest low.Read More Football Stories”Devastated doesn’t even come close. So grateful for the incredible people around me. ACL round 2 – let’s go.”Earlier today Lionesses support staff said they maintain close contact with the player as she works on her recovery. A statement from the FA said: “Everyone involved with the Lionesses wishes Ella the very best with her recovery.”England’s support team will remain in close contact with her and the club.”Most read in FootballLaura Blindkilde Brown has been called up to Sarina Wiegman’s England squad before their Nations League clashes with Portugal and SpainCredit: GettyFollowing Morris’s injury Manchester City’s Laura Blindkilde Brown, 21, has received her third senior call-upThe midfielder has joined Sarina Wiegman’s 26-player squad at St George’s Park as a replacement for Morris.Wiegman and her players will travel to London tomorrow ahead of their 7:45pm clash with Portugal at Wembley on May 30. More

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      Mary Earps sparks row with bombshell England retirement just five weeks before Euros leaving Sarina Wiegman furious

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      MARY EARPS announced her shock retirement from international football with immediate effect.And it means the goalkeeper will not line up between the sticks as England aim to retain the Euros this summer – leaving boss Sarina Wiegman seething.Mary Earps announced her shock international retirementCredit: GettySarina Wiegman was furious with the timing of the decisionCredit: ReutersEarps, 32, played a key role in the Lionesses’ runs to the Euro 2022 title and 2023 World Cup final.The ex-Manchester United star was crowned a two-time Fifa Women’s Best Goalkeeper and even BBC Sport Personality of the Year after her penalty save in the 2023 World Cup final defeat to Spain. PSG stopper Earps was in a battle with Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton for the No1 spot in Wiegman’s starting XI for the upcoming Euros in Switzerland. Hampton was picked in England’s last three Nations League matches – against Spain and the double header against Belgium. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, just five weeks out from the tournament and the day after the team met for their training camp at St George’s Park, 53-cap ace Earps dropped the major bombshell news.According to The Telegraph, Earps quit in an awkward meeting after being told she was now back-up to Hampton. She said: “I have taken the difficult decision to retire internationally. It has been the greatest honour and privilege of my life, to wear this badge, represent my country and play alongside such an incredible group of players.”I’ve spent a long time making this decision and it’s not one I’ve made lightly. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”For me, ultimately this is the right time for me to step aside and give the younger generation an opportunity to thrive.”Winning the Euros in 2022 was the best day of my life, and I’m rooting for the girls to do it again this summer.”Mary Earps wins SPOTY as Lioness makes history after England World Cup final run, In a cryptic Instagram post, Earps added: “My journey has never been the simplest, and so in true Mary fashion, this isn’t a simple goodbye – right before a major tournament.“Nonetheless, I know this is the right decision. “There are so many dimensions to this decision, the details of which aren’t important right now, but what it boils down to is: it’s now the right moment for me to step aside.“This is a new era and a new England team, and I’m looking forward to watching them this summer. In the end, all you have is all you are – your character. “And I know that whilst this won’t make sense to some who are reading this, you can trust that I would not be doing this unless I thought it was absolutely the right thing to do, as much as it hurts.”But the shock announcement so close to the Euros left Wiegman furious, with the Dutchwoman ready to call on her experience and leadership in Switzerland.The Lionesses face France, the Netherlands and Wales in Group D.Now, though, Hampton looks set to be the unchallenged No1.’I AM DISAPPOINTED’Wiegman said bluntly: “I had hoped that Mary would play an important role within the squad this summer, so of course I am disappointed.”Mary has been clear on her reasons why she has made the decision and it is something we need to accept.“Mary has made a huge contribution to not only the team, but the whole of English football.“We will cherish those memories and of course give Mary the tributes she deserves after the summer.”But for now the focus needs to be on the upcoming Uefa Women’s Nations League fixtures and the Euros.”Read More on The SunEngland face Portugal at Wembley on Friday and then Spain next Tuesday in the Nations League.A friendly with Jamaica takes place at Leicester’s King Power Stadium on June 29 before their opening group game of the Euros against France on July 5. Earps played a key role as England won Euro 2022 at WembleyCredit: PAShe famously led the celebrations by crashing the press conferenceCredit: GettyEarps saved a penalty in the 2023 World Cup final defeat to SpainCredit: PAThe goalkeeper was named 2023 BBC Sport Personality of the YearCredit: PAHannah Hampton trained with England at St George’s Park on MondayCredit: Reuters More

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      Chloe Kelly stuns Arsenal fans as she heads straight to local PUB after Champions League trophy parade

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      ARSENAL hero Chloe Kelly enjoyed a Bank Holiday to remember after winning the Champions League – but isn’t sure where she’ll be playing next season. The 27-year-old hit the town following Arsenal’s parade to celebrate their shock triumph over Barcelona. Arsenal’s Chloe Kelly headed straight to her local after beating Barcelona in the Champions LeagueCredit: X/ TheTollingtonThe 27-year-old stunned crowds gathered at The Tollington just outside the EmiratesCredit: X/ TheTollingtonKelly’s future at Arsenal remains up in the air after leaving Manchester CityCredit: X/ TheTollingtonStina Blackstenius scored the only goal of the game in Lisbon to deny the Catalan giants a third-straight title. The result sealed Arsenal’s first Champions League title since way back in 2007.And Lionesses star Kelly – who almost stepped away from football in January – wasted no time in heading to her local after jetting back to London.The on-loan Man City star arrived at The Tollington in Holloway on Monday, just minutes away from the Emirates. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLKelly, decked out in her Arsenal shirt, danced with fans and posed for selfies in footage shared by the pub.One fan responded: “What a legend!!! Chloe is having a grand day…we have to give her a contract!”While another said: “I kinda think, she wants to stay :-), how cool is that going into the Tolly.”Kelly – England’s Euro hero in 2022 – began her career as a youth player at Arsenal. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKShe has since joined Everton and City before heading back to North London on loan in January.Kelly told The Guardian: “As soon as I stepped foot in this club, I found happiness. Chloe Kelly shows off her dancing as Arsenal stars get private performance from Alex Scott’s girlfriend Jess Glynne”Renee Slegers, as soon as she got on the phone to me, to give me the opportunity to represent this badge, I wanted to repay her. “From being in such a dark place to now, it’s crazy.”I was ready to take a break from football completely. I’m just grateful.”Kelly is still not sure if her move back to Arsenal will become permanent. She added: “If it’s my last game for the club, I’ll forever be grateful. “I know I’ve given my all to Arsenal and Arsenal has given their all to me. Read More on The Sun”They gave me an opportunity to step foot on the pitch and find happiness. “It’s not about football at times. No matter what happened today, the club gave me happiness.” More

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      Arsenal’s Leah Williamson opens up on tearful moment after Women’s Champions League win and her trophy hunger

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      LEAH WILLIAMSON urged Arsenal to keep on winning silverware after fans’ raucous celebrations of their Champions League triumph.Like fellow club icons Tony Adams and Thierry Henry, the Gunners star wants to be remembered for major trophies wins as well as loyalty to the team.Leah Williamson and her team-mates celebrated their Women’s Champions League with fans gathered outside the Armoury in front of the EmiratesCredit: GettyThousands had flocked to the stadium celebrate the club’s second Women’s Champions League tourmanent winCredit: AlamyWilliamson paid tribute to skipper Kim Little after revealing they both broke down in tears following their defeat of Barcelona in the Champions League finalCredit: GettyChloe Kelly was serenaded by fans who chanted “we want you to stay” with the England forward currently out of contractCredit: GettyAlex Scott invited Arsenal striker Stina Blackstenius to say a few words to the crowd gathered outside the EmiratesCredit: AlamyWilliamson, who broke down in tears after her side’s Champions League final defeat of Barcelona, joined team-mates for a public celebration of their triumph at the Emirates today. The centre-back put in one of her best performances of her career as Spain’s club football queens were shut out during Saturday’s showdown in Lisbon.  Her efforts helped her side secure Arsenal’s second Women’s Champions League trophy win following the club’s first triumph in 2007. And the lifelong Arsenal fan wants her legacy to be about loyalty combined with winning the biggest prizes with the Gunners. Read More Football StoriesWilliamson said: “You have to win trophies and I’m so proud of what we do off the pitch, who we are, how we lead and how we carry ourselves. “I’m so proud of that but I want to win and Arsenal should be winning. “I’ve looked at that legacy all my life and I’ve been aware of that and I wanted to contribute to it. “I don’t want to end my career just being loyal.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Loyalty is great but loyalty with trophies is just something else.”This week I’ve spoken to Tony Adams and Thierry Henry, people I watched (when I was young). Arsenal star Katie McCabe leads anti-Tottenham chants and has ‘Jack Wilshere moment’ in Champions League parade”They were incredible and they won and that’s why they are remembered the way they are. “I’m proud that we’re the only team in the land (to have won the Women’s Champions League). “Anybody that’s Arsenal – red and white – is going to have a summer to remember.”This morning thousands of fans flocked outside the Armoury in front of the stadium as  Williamson and her team-mates held their European trophy aloft. And Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe had supporters cheering following her leading expletive laden chants concerning rivals TottenhamAfter a mix of lighthearted and moving short speeches delivered by several players and head coach Renee Slegers, Williamson shared her reflections on her team’s success. Williamson, who spoke to Thierry Henry and Tony Adams this week, wants to be remembered for more than just her loyalty to ArsenalCredit: ReutersAnd she paid a touching tribute to skipper Kim Little, who is currently the team’s long-serving player having made more than 300 appearances. Williamson added: “If you look at this celebration today, the turnout and what we’ve done over the last couple of years, this is the stuff that makes you stay. “(After our win) I dropped to my knees because of the tears and then I went to look for Kim. We were just sobbing.”Kim Little is everything I would want to be as a person. “I’m just glad (for her) because you don’t get recognised sometimes and that’s unjust.  Read More on The Sun”You need to win trophies and to win the biggest things to get what you deserve. Kim deserves everything.”People had the game of their lives and I genuinely don’t know if anyone (on the team) that put a foot wrong in terms of the game plan and what it was meant to be.” More