Kyra Cooney-Cross is a long way from London’s Emirates Stadium, but Arsenal’s home ground was symbolically close to her during Saturday’s Women’s Super League game against Manchester United.
Days after the Matildas midfielder returned to Australia to be with her mother Jess, who was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer, a number of touching tributes have been paid by her club teammates and supporters.
The Arsenal player warmed up in the shirts in support of Kyra Cooney-Cross’s terminally ill mother JessCredit: Getty Images
Cooney-Cross shared late last week that she has left her club duties in North London and flown to Queensland, where Jess is in hospital with stage 4 cholangiocarcinoma – a cancer of the bile ducts – for which there is no cure.
“My mom is my hero, my best friend, my everything, and the person who has shaped every part of who I am,” she wrote on Instagram.
“She is the reason I am where I am today, her strength, love and belief in me has carried me through everything. Trying to put into words what she means to me is impossible.”
Kyra Cooney-Cross revealed her mother’s rare and aggressive cancer diagnosis last week.Credit: Instagram
“I am now back in Australia to be with my mum, sisters and our family as we navigate what comes next. We are all still in shock and learning how to sit with the weight of this news.”
A few days later, 37,000 spectators watched from the stands as the Arsenal squad – including Matildas team-mates Steph Catley and Caitlin Foord – completed their pre-match warm-up in T-shirts bearing the 23-year-old’s fancy name and playing number 32.
A group of supporters marched into the Emirates with “We love you Kyra and Jess” signs, which they held up to applause in the 32nd minute.
Leave a Reply