Man City's Demi Stokes opens up on motherhood and football

Manchester City star Demi Stokes has offered a glimpse into motherhood as a professional footballer and how her son Harlen has stolen the hearts of her teammates.

The 31-year-old and her partner Katie welcomed their son to the world last summer, a month before Euro 2022 was set to kick-off. Stokes was part of the squad that went on to lift the trophy, but she was also navigating becoming a mother for the first time.

"Don't get me wrong, it was tough at times," she revealed in an interview with Sky Sports. "Katie would admit it was hard when I was away and she needed a little help, so it was a struggle.

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"Credit to Katie, she did brilliantly because I had to say: 'I'm going to the Euros, I've made the squad but that's a short-term thing and when I get home Harlen will be there.'"

While Harlen is a regular at City's training base, Stokes has also highlighted the challenges of managing her time as a professional athlete with a young child. "He comes in on days off, he often fancies breakfast so he comes in for breakfast," she continued.

"He loves the mood, it's something different for him. The girls love having him around, he gets passed around for cuddles. It's great, the girls love it when he comes in.

"You've got to be diligent with everything. Diligent with your time, diligent with when you're getting up, diligent for when you're getting ready. Don't get us wrong, we don't sit down until eight o'clock at night but it's worth it."

Stokes has started just two Women's Super League matches this season, on the opening day against Aston Villa and the 3-0 win over Reading back in November. Injury and illness have played