Aussie Football Star Mary Fowler's Shock Admission Puts Matildas Fans on Edge

• Does recovery from an ACL injury take long?
• Will be missing the forthcoming Matildas games.
• Has issued a surprising statement about her passion for the sport

Matildas star Mary Fowler has disclosed that she no longer views football as her passion, during an honest podcast conversation that has stunned numerous Australian soccer supporters.

The 22-year-old, currently sidelined with a torn ACL, said she doesn't feel bad about being out of action.

Despite crying when doctors confirmed her injury, Fowler admitted her sadness quickly faded. Fowler said she enjoys aspects of football, but it no longer drives her.

'Suffering an injury... I must admit, I don’t really mind it. While I do like playing football, I wouldn't call it my true calling,' she shared with Keegan and Company during their podcast episode.

She mentioned that she approaches the game as a profession rather than letting it shape who she is. However, when she leaves the playing area, she completely disconnects from the sport.

'I go there and I have to put my best in, and our job is to win games. Once I leave the club I'm leaving work, I don't have to think about it,' she said.

Fowler's honest reflection is a sharp contrast to many teammates who live and breathe the game.

"I engage in it because there are numerous aspects I find enjoyable. I genuinely like traveling, spending time with my teammates, and the individuals I've encountered through football," she stated.

If I completed it by tomorrow, I likely wouldn’t have any regrets.

Fowler made her debut for the Matildas when she was only 15 years old, prior to participating in an A-League Women match. Her sudden exposure brought immense pressure, which altered her connection with the game.

I have photos from my time playing for the under-20s national team, and I've got a permanent marker tattoo on my arm that says 'I will win.'

In France, during his time with Montpellier, circumstances started to deteriorate.

'I didn't truly relish being there... I began to permit myself to explore other interests beyond what was happening on the field.'

She said her previous routine of over-analysing every detail began to hurt her performance. Now, she feels calmer and more detached on the pitch.

"It reached a stage where all that structure actually made me perform poorly. I feel as though I'm in my own little universe since I don't really care," Fowler stated.

Fowler mentions that this mindset has assisted her in dealing with errors and stress.

If I mess up, I'll likely either chuckle over it or simply move past it in no time.

Her disclosure arrives during a challenging period for the Matildas as they gear up to face Argentina sans her.

Fowler is currently concentrating on rehabilitation in England after tearing her ACL during her time with Manchester City.

The injury might prevent her from participating in next year's Asian Cup, dealing a significant setback to Australia's efforts.

Even though the injury was quite severe, Fowler acknowledged that she discovered 'more positives than I should have' from being benched. She mentioned that her present mindset towards football has greatly improved compared to before.

In the past, she was completely engrossed in the game and fixated on getting better. However, over the last few years, particularly after joining Manchester City, her mindset has distanced from the sport.

"I entered professional football at quite a young age. I was not prepared for how significantly those things impact my self-perception," she stated.

Fowler mentioned that she previously felt pressured to behave in a particular manner on social media as well.

I wasn’t truly authentic about it since I thought I needed to show a particular aspect of myself.

In time, she posed a difficult query to herself: "Why must I remain this way?" She has come to see herself beyond just being an athlete.

"I rarely share anything about football these days," she mentioned.

Fowler mentioned that she prioritizes authenticity, choosing not to alter her true self just to appease sponsors or fans.

'I want them to act this way due to who I am as a person.'

His companion, the rugby league player Nathan Cleary, as well takes part in her support network.

The pair has been an item since August 2023, navigating a long-distance romance.

Fowler mentioned that the distance encouraged them to establish robust communication practices early on.

'We just really enjoy having deep conversations and it has just worked for us.'

As for her football future, Fowler remains undecided but grounded.

She said when the time comes, she'll return to the field with a clearer head.

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