How I Sapphire Young fell in love with Alessia Russo

Chapter 69

Sapphire's POV:

Retirement from football was a decision that came with a mix of emotions—relief, excitement, and a touch of sadness. Football had been my life for as long as I could remember, but now it was time to focus on my family and explore new horizons. The early stages of retirement were filled with moments of reflection and a newfound sense of freedom. It was during one of these reflective moments that I decided to embark on a new journey: writing an autobiography.

Writing my autobiography felt like the perfect way to honour my past, celebrate my present, and look forward to the future. It was a chance to share my story—the triumphs and tribulations, the highs and lows, the personal and professional milestones. As I sat down to outline the chapters, I realised just how much I had experienced in my relatively short life.

The first part of my autobiography would delve into my childhood. Growing up in Liverpool, my earliest memories were of playing football in the streets with my brothers. My mum, though she loved me deeply, always saw football as a man's game. She encouraged me to pursue more traditional interests for girls, but the pull of the pitch was too strong. Losing her when I was just 13 was one of the hardest things I've ever had to endure. It was a loss that shaped me, drove me, and pushed me to become the person I am today.

My dad and brothers, Tristan and Bertie, were my rock during those tough years. Their support and belief in me kept me going, even when the odds seemed insurmountable. I would recount those days with gratitude, remembering the family dinners, the pep talks from Dad, and the sibling rivalry that spurred me on.

The bulk of my autobiography would naturally focus on my football career. From my days in Liverpool's academy, where my passion for the game truly took root, to my bold move to Sweden. Sweden was a world away from Liverpool—new language, new culture—but it was a move that helped me grow both as a player and as a person.

Tottenham was the next chapter, where I began to make a name for myself in the Women's Super League. Those were exciting times, filled with the thrill of competition and the camaraderie of teammates who became like family. My transfer to Arsenal was a dream come true. It was at Arsenal that I met Alessia, my soulmate, and partner in life. Meeting her and navigating our relationship, both publicly and privately, would be a major focus of the book.

I would also write about the injuries, the ACL tear that sidelined me, and the gruelling recovery process. Those months of rehabilitation were some of the toughest I faced, but they taught me resilience and patience. The birth of our triplets, Leo, Theo, and Isla, was the most joyous chapter of all. Balancing motherhood with a football career was challenging, but it was a challenge I embraced wholeheartedly.

Retiring at a young age was not something I had ever envisioned, but life has a way of surprising you. The decision to retire was driven by the desire to be present for my children and support Alessia in her career. Writing this book was part of my new journey, a way to stay connected to the sport and the people who supported me throughout my career.

In this part of the book, I would explore my transition to life after football. Learning to be a stay-at-home mum, supporting Alessia from the sidelines, and finding new passions. I wanted to share the reality of retirement—the good, the bad, and the unexpected. It was a chance to show that life after football could be just as fulfilling, if not more so, than my playing days.

The final chapters would look to the future. What lay ahead for the Russo family? More football matches, more family milestones, more adventures. I wanted to leave readers with a sense of hope and excitement for what was to come. Alessia and I had dreams of expanding our family, travelling, and maybe even getting involved in football in new ways—coaching, mentoring, or commentary.