'I want to play for mum' – Arsenal's Cooney-Cross

What the report says

Arsenal midfielder Kyra Cooney-Cross is preparing for an emotional return to Emirates Stadium, where she will face Crystal Palace for the first time since the death of her mother, Jess, from cancer. BBC Sport reported that the Australia international has been dealing with the loss “one day at a time” and says she wants to play for her mother and for Arsenal supporters.

Cooney-Cross said her mother died in July, two months after being diagnosed with stage four cholangiocarcinoma, a rare bile duct cancer. She described the period after hearing the diagnosis as life-changing and said she returned home to Australia to spend her mother’s final months with her. During that time, she took compassionate leave from football and later used training as a way to cope while staying close to family.

The 24-year-old said her mother’s sacrifices, including driving her long distances for youth training, helped shape her career. She also credited Arsenal staff and team-mates, including head coach Renee Slegers, director of women’s football Claire Wheatley, Alessia Russo and Taylor Hinds, for supporting her return. Her appearance this weekend will come in front of the same stadium crowd her mother once watched, adding to the significance of the match.