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

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

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Article continues below

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• Earps celebrated birthday on Thursday
• Receives countless messages from fellow football stars
• Russo shares heartwarming collage for Man Utd 'keeper

• Table of Contents

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Lionesses goalkeeping icon celebrated her birthday on Thursday and, naturally, received countless well-wishes from team-mates, 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.

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• WHAT RUSSO SAID

  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."

  IG: 1maryearps

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  United have, perhaps unsurprisingly, faltered since Russo's departure in the summer, 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, Russo has not looked back 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.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR RUSSO & EARPS?

  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.