Kirby opened up about how the condition had affected her mental health – resulting in her questioning whether she would be able to overcome this setback and return to football. Now the England international is feeling more hopeful for the future.



‘I got to the stage where I felt like I didn't know how it was to feel normal. I remember having numerous conversations and saying, I just can't do this anymore, I can’t feel this poorly or go back and deal with another injury that is going to put me out.



‘I’m always thinking now what’s next? What is the thing that is going to stop me? In the last few weeks that's changed, obviously, my mindset has changed because I’m feeling better.



‘I've probably nearly called Emma Hayes and Phil Neville so many times to say: “I'm done, I’m not playing anymore.”



‘For me I just want to give everything that I can to see how good I can be. I’ve been through the injuries, I’ve been through the illness, if I go from now to the Olympics and give absolutely everything for every single day for the rest of this year, how good can I be? And that’s my goal right now.'

Chelsea goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger has been nominated for the German Football Ambassador public award.

The German Football Ambassador award is a social football project that recognises the efforts of German football coaches and players who use the sport as a vehicle for effecting positive development abroad.

To vote for Berger, click here!

