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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Earps celebrated birthday on Thursday</li><li>Receives countless messages from fellow football stars</li><li>Russo shares heartwarming collage for Man Utd 'keeper</li></ul>

'Love you always' - Alessia Russo sends touching birthday message to Lionesses team-mate Mary Earps as star goalkeeper turns 31

The Lionesses goalkeeping icon celebrated her birthday on Thursday and, naturally, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/lionesses-star-ella-toone-sends-touching-birthday-message-man-utd-team-mate-mary-earps/bltd5aa86455a6d9cc2" target="_blank">received countless well-wishes from team-mates</a>, past and present. One of those was Russo, who remains Earps' international colleague but used to be her club team-mate at United. As such, the Arsenal forward has a collection of touching photos with the England shot stopper, which she shared in a collage to celebrate her birthday.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Russo posted her collage on her Instagram story, which Earps reposted, alongside the words: "Happy birthday to my coffee partner and my big sis. Love you always mazza. You're the best."<picture><source srcset="https://assets.goal.com/images/v3/blt6e29a2ef6eabee5e/Screenshot_2024-03-08_at_12.54.15.png?format=webp" type="image/webp"><source srcset="https://assets.goal.com/images/v3/blt6e29a2ef6eabee5e/Screenshot_2024-03-08_at_12.54.15.png?format=jpg" type="image/jpeg"><img src="https://assets.goal.com/images/v3/blt6e29a2ef6eabee5e/Screenshot_2024-03-08_at_12.54.15.png?format=jpg" alt="Alessia Russo celebrates Mary Earps' birthday" data-source="IG: 1maryearps" data-copyright="IG: 1maryearps" data-portal-copyright="IG: 1maryearps" perform:prop="uuid:blt6e29a2ef6eabee5e;width:527;height:942"></picture>

WHAT RUSSO SAID

United have, perhaps unsurprisingly, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/man-utd-women-mary-earps-among-players-in-limbo-poor-communication-contracts-transfers-alessia-russo-gaffe/blt4f6604ef97d5a61a" target="_blank">faltered since Russo's departure in the summer</a>, with Earps and Co a whopping 12 points off the pace in the WSL title race, and nine points off the Gunners in the last remaining European spot. Despite clearly missing former team-mate Earps, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/lionesses-arsenal-star-alessia-russo-reveals-childhood-heroes-england-forward-follow-illustrious-footsteps/blt785b6bf5c1a2c88a" target="_blank">Russo has not looked back</a> as her six goals and three assists in 14 league appearances has catapulted her side to within three points off joint-leaders Chelsea and Manchester City.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Russo and Arsenal are next in action in a crunch WSL clash against reigning champions Chelsea next Friday. Earps' United side, meanwhile, are in action this Saturday when they play Brighton for a place in the FA Women's Cup semi-finals.

WHAT NEXT FOR RUSSO & EARPS?

'Love you always' - Alessia Russo sends touching birthday message to Lionesses team-mate Mary Earps as star goalkeeper turns 31 | Goal.com India

Arsenal forward Alessia Russo shared a heartwarming birthday message to England team-mate Mary Earps after the Manchester United goalkeeper turned 31.