Matildas star Kyra Cooney-Cross has shared an emotional message from her late mother with fans as she made her return to the women’s top flight in London.
The Australian star midfielder played her first Women’s Super League game for Arsenal since late last year.
With the blessing of the club, she had taken personal leave early this year to be with her mother Jess.
Cooney-Cross announced on January 8 via Instagram that her mother was diagnosed with terminal stage 4 bile duct cancer. She died on July 10.
Arsenal manager Renee Slegers confirmed on March 28 Cooney-Cross was granted indefinite compassionate leave and would remain in Australia after the Asian Cup to be with her mother.
Before the game against Crystal Palace, fans and teammates gave Cooney-Cross a big welcome.
In the end, Arsenal drew 0, leaving the club fifth on the Women’s Super League table.
But it wasn’t really about the result.
In the Arsenal match day program, Cooney-Cross wrote a personal note to the fans, thanking them for the “outpouring of love and support we received”, saying it would never leave her or her family.
“Coming back to the UK was made easier because I have a family here,” she wrote.
Cooney-Cross said her mum was very good at sending her messages before games, and so she shared a message from Jess “for all of us”.
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“Kyra, try to remember what it felt like when you were little … when you just loved having the ball at your feet, playing with your mates, testing yourself against the boys or adults for the fun of it,’ the message reads.
“Back then, it wasn’t about proving anything … it was about the feeling, the freedom, the creativity, the joy of pushing yourself.
“Play because you love the ball at your feet, the rhythm of the game. Train because it feels good to move and challenge your body and feel strong.
“This is how you start doing it for you again — Mum.”
Cooney-Cross finished her message with a simple line:
“It’s for you, Mum. Love,” and then her signature.
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