'It's for you, Mum': Cooney-Cross makes emotional Arsenal home return
Kyra Cooney-Cross (left) was back with teammates at Arsenal's home stadium in London after the death of her mother. (Getty Images: WSL/Eddie Keogh)
In short:
Arsenal's Kyra Cooney-Cross has returned to play at her team's home stadium for the first time since her mother's death from cancer this year.
The Matildas midfielder played in Arsenal's 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace in the Women's Super League, sharing a note from her late mother Jess with fans in the team's match day program.
Cooney-Cross finished her note to fans with the words, "It's for you, Mum".
Matildas star Kyra Cooney-Cross has shared an emotional message from her late mother with fans as she made her return to the women's top flight in London.
The Australian star midfielder played her first Women's Super League game for Arsenal since late last year.
With the blessing of the club, she had taken personal leave early this year to be with her mother Jess.
Cooney-Cross announced on January 8 via Instagram that her mother was diagnosed with terminal stage 4 bile duct cancer. She died on July 10.
Arsenal manager Renee Slegers confirmed on March 28 Cooney-Cross was granted indefinite compassionate leave and would remain in Australia after the Asian Cup to be with her mother.
Before the game against Crystal Palace, fans and teammates gave Cooney-Cross a big welcome.
In the end, Arsenal drew 0, leaving the club fifth on the Women's Super League table.
But it wasn't really about the result.
In the Arsenal match day program, Cooney-Cross wrote a personal note to the fans, thanking them for the "outpouring of love and support we received", saying it would never leave her or her family.
"Coming back to the UK was made easier because I have a family here," she wrote.
Cooney-Cross said her mum was very good at sending her messages before games, and so she shared a message from Jess "for all of us".
"Kyra, try to remember what it felt like when you were little … when you just loved having the ball at your feet, playing with your mates, testing yourself against the boys or adults for the fun of it,' the message reads.
"Back then, it wasn't about proving anything … it was about the feeling, the freedom, the creativity, the joy of pushing yourself.
"Play because you love the ball at your feet, the rhythm of the game. Train because it feels good to move and challenge your body and feel strong.
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