England and Manchester United goalkeeper Mary Earps has built quite a fan base since her heroics for the Lionesses at the Women's World Cup and the goalkeeper has revealed some have paid tribute with tattoos of her most famous outburst.
Earps played every minute and conceded just four goals as England reached the final of the Women's World Cup earlier this year.
Olga Carmona scored the only goal of the game to break England's hearts, but Earps played a significant role in keeping her country in the match.
Spain were awarded a penalty in the second half after VAR intervened to punish Keira Walsh for a handball.
Mary Earps is the favourite to win SPOTY
PA
But Earps dove to her left to deny Jennifer Hermoso’s spot kick, sparking wild celebrations from the England shot-stopper.
Pitchside cameras caught her now infamous 'f*** off' outburst, forever endearing Earps to England supporters.
And the 30-year-old has revealed that some people have even had her outburst permanently marked on their bodies.
"A few people even had it tattooed on them," she told the Daily Mail.
"It was a really hard one to get my head around because I had no idea at the time that it had gone viral in that way. But when I got back, I realised it had become quite a thing.
"I’m not sure my family were too impressed. They have not spoken about it much so that tells you what they really think of it. I had to try and convince my gran that it wasn’t what I really said!
"But the way I see it, football is an emotional and passionate game and they just caught me in a passionate moment. It was just the wrong time for the camera to zoom in on me.
"I wear my heart on my sleeve and it just spilled over into that. But I am not advocating for anyone to get it tattooed on them!"
Earps is seen as the favourite to be named the 2023 Sports Personality of the Year, following in the footsteps of her England team-mate Beth Mead who won last year.
LATEST SPORT NEWS:
- Anthony Joshua makes feelings clear on Tyson Fury not wanting legacy boxing fights ahead of Otto Wallin clash
- Ian Wright discloses future plans after quitting Match of the Day - and confirms reason for walking away
- Michael Schumacher health update as F1 chief says he 'would never wish condition on worst enemy'
Mary Earps won the Golden Glove at the Women's World Cup
PA
"It almost feels like if I don’t win it, Beth has outdone me!" Earps added.
"But of course it would be really lovely to win it.
"Everybody on the shortlist has achieved fantastic things in their respective sports, so I am really honoured and privileged to be named alongside them.
Mary Earps saved a penalty in the Women's World Cup final
PA
"It is the most prestigious all-round sporting award that you can win.
"It was really special to see my team-mate do it last year, so hopefully it will be another special night."
