Manchester United goalkeeper Mary Earps admits it's a 'hard place to be' as Alessia Russo's friend following confirmation she will leave the club this summer, but says she will support her whatever she does.
The forward released a heartfelt message to supporters on Friday, following the announcement she would not be signing a new contract. Speculation continues to grow surrounding Russo's next club, but widespread reports suggest she could be bound for Women's Super League rivals Arsenal.
Russo was the subject of two world-record bids from the Gunners in January, but United rebuffed any approach for the England international in hope of persuading her to stay. However, contract negotiations were to little avail and she will instead depart at the end of the month.
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Earps, who joined United the year before Russo, says it's tough to see a close friend leave, but insists she'll support her international teammate in whatever she chooses to do next.
"Of course it's sad," Earps told Sky Sports. "Alessia and I are good friends off the pitch so it's a hard place to be as her friend.
"But, ultimately I just want to support her. She's gone to do what's best for her career and I know it might look like one thing from the outside, but you never know what's happened.
"There's a completely different side of the story that maybe you're not going to hear unless you talk to her herself. I can't answer those questions for you.
"The most important thing is that Alessia is happy. Me and her are going to be friends for a long time so I'll support her whatever she does."
Fellow teammate and childhood friend Ella Toone also sent an emotional goodbye to Russo, but the trio will join up with the Lionesses this week for their pre-World Cup camp with England before the tournament gets underway in Australia and New Zealand next month.
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