Mary Earps Issues Public Apology for Controversial Remarks About Former England Coach Sarina Wiegman and Teammate Hannah Hampton in Recent Memoir

Mary Earps, the Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper and former England star, has spoken openly about the backlash sparked by passages in her new memoir that seemed to criticise her former England head coach Sarina Wiegman and Lionesses teammate Hannah Hampton.

The autobiography, which covered Earps’ retirement from the England squad, included strong language describing her frustrations with Wiegman’s handling of her international career, and suggested tensions with Hampton during the 2022 European Championship.

Now, months later, Earps is taking responsibility for the attention those sections received and is reflecting on the experience with renewed perspective.

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Understanding the Fallout

Earps admitted that, at the time of publication, she didn’t fully appreciate how readers and media would interpret her words.

“Now I can understand why they garnered so much attention, for sure,” she told Telegraph Sport.

“Back then, I couldn’t. I was in this headspace of like, ‘I don’t get it, why are we only talking about this?’”

The 32-year-old goalkeeper said the aftermath of her book’s release forced her to engage in deep personal reflection and difficult conversations with those around her.

“I look back and I have to be accountable for the things I know I could have done better,” she said.

“I can’t control other things, but there are things I can control that I could have done better.”

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Apologising to Wiegman

Earps confirmed she had spoken privately with Wiegman, describing the conversation as positive.

“I would never, ever want anybody to question my respect and admiration for Sarina and everything that we’ve achieved together,” she said.

“I’m really grateful we could speak face to face.”

The goalkeeper also acknowledged the intense emotions she felt while writing the memoir, attributing some of the controversial comments to the personal upheaval she experienced after leaving international football.

“When you’re writing from a place of deep emotion, it can come out in ways you don’t intend,” Earps said.

“I wear my heart on my sleeve. I thought writing a book would be a positive outlet, but it became more complicated than I anticipated.”

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Reactions From Teammates and Managers

Hannah Hampton, the Lionesses’ current No 1, has not publicly responded to Earps’ remarks.

However, the book reportedly created divisions within the England squad, with some players supporting Earps and others feeling Hampton had been unfairly portrayed.

Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor criticised Earps’ comments, emphasising the importance of respect within the team.

“With what I read, it’s not acceptable to not show respect to your teammates or managers,” Bompastor said.

“When you use words about someone who won the Euros three times in a row, you should think before you speak.”

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Personal Growth and Reflection

Earps described feeling calmer and more at peace with herself now that time has passed.

“I can reflect and ask myself, how could I have done that differently? How could I have articulated myself better?” she said. “It’s about learning and growing as a human being.”

Her words underscore the challenges athletes often face when transitioning out of international competition and navigating public scrutiny while trying to tell their own stories.

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What’s Next?

Earps is focusing on her club career with Paris Saint-Germain and maintaining her mental wellbeing while learning from past experiences.

She has signalled a desire to continue personal growth and to repair relationships that may have been strained by the book’s release.

For the Lionesses, the squad will likely continue to navigate the aftereffects of the controversy while preparing for future international competitions.

Team dynamics may evolve as players and management work toward unity and mutual respect.

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Summary

Mary Earps’ new memoir stirred controversy with pointed remarks about former England manager Sarina Wiegman and teammate Hannah Hampton.

In the months following the backlash, Earps has apologised to Wiegman, reflected on her own behaviour, and recognised the intense emotional state that shaped her writing.

While some teammates were reportedly unsettled by her comments, managers like Sonia Bompastor emphasised the importance of respect.

Earps is now focused on personal growth, her PSG career, and fostering better communication in football circles moving forward.