Kirby fell ill with pericarditis back in November 2019, an inflammation of the fluid-filled sac around the heart, and it led her to the point where she was considering retirement.
At times, the Chelsea forward was sleeping 18 hours day, but she has recovered and is now, arguably, in the form of her life as the Lionesses prepare to play their first-ever competitive game at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, when they host Kenny Shiels’s side in a World Cup qualifier.
“It’s an interesting one, because I always live in the present moment,” Kirby tells Standard Sport.
“So when I had an amazing last year — winning trophies with Chelsea, winning trophies individually — I didn’t actually sit there and think, ‘Look where you were 10 months ago compared to now’. I don’t really ever have those moments. I just focus on what’s to come.
“But when I actually sit there and think there was a point where I couldn’t even walk up the stairs to playing in a Champions League Final or getting selected for an Olympics, they are really special moments.”
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der October 20, 2021-Ausgabe von Evening Standard.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der October 20, 2021-Ausgabe von Evening Standard.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Early business a Palace coup as Kamada and Riad set to join
International incomings show club has high hopes to build as rivals circle current stars
Aussies shake off the rust to fire a warning at England
AUSTRALIA'S quest to unify cricket's world titles began in serene fashion overnight, as a fine all-round performance from Marcus Stoinis ensured a 39-run victory over minnows Oman.
Ennis-Hill tipping KJT to finally land Olympic gold after 'incredible' show
JESSICA ENNIS-HILL has backed Katarina Johnson-Thompson to end her Olympic curse and strike gold in Paris this summer.
Wood jumps as bidder looks at books
LONG-running bid target Wood Group surged 10% in value today as investors revised their bets on the possibility of another FTSE 250 takeover.
Pressure grows on BoE as Canada cuts interest rates
THE City was looking forward to a summer of falling interest rates today, after a landmark cut from a major central bank added to the pressure on the Bank of England to join in.
This is why business is not excited about this election
IN MY chats with chief executives over the past couple of weeks, I've been trying to gauge the mood of the business community ahead of the general election.
I can't hide my dirty little secret any longer: I drink 0% beer and I love it
MOTHER, father...if you read this, please know that I am so sorry. I have let you down and you will never be able to look at me in the eye again.
Use my phone in Soho? I wouldn't dream of it
I HAVE a new evening routine - cup of tea, head to bed, then count how many of my friends have posted on Instagram to say they have had their iPhones stolen in London that day.
At least 30 die in Israeli strike on Gaza school 'used by Hamas'
AN Israeli strike on a school sheltering displaced Palestinians in central Gaza has killed more than 30 people including 23 women and children, according to health officials.
Exploring new worlds with Elton's favourite art pioneer
The A-list love Denise De La Rue's striking, futuristic work. At the opening of her new Madrid show, she tells Will Hosie that space is the final frontier, but she won't go