I’ve seen that over the past few weeks, there have been an increasing amount of rumors on social media concerning my connections, personal life, and even alleged internal problems. I want to talk about this directly because I owe it to myself, my teammates, my club, and my supporters.
First and foremost, the rumors are simply that—rumors. Many of the things you might read online are conjectural, frequently exaggerated, and occasionally wholly false. I won’t allow unsubstantiated assertions to shape my narrative or divert attention from the game, my friends, and the upcoming adventure.
I am aware that visibility breeds interest. People’s curiosity and conjecture are normal. However, there is a boundary between harm and curiosity. Regardless of the veracity of the information, conjecture that develops into rumor—when unverified stories are repeated as fact—can spread swiftly and cause needless conflict among the fan base as well as the larger community. To be clear, those rumors are untrue.
I say this to everyone who cares about me, whether they are a friend, a fan, or an outsider observing: embrace the highs and lows, but don’t let unreliable posts or screenshots influence your opinion. Decontextualizing a message, misinterpreting a photo, or drawing broad generalizations from a moment captured on social media are all way too simple.
My attention is still fixed on the field, just as it has always been. I have never faltered in my dedication to my club, my national team, and the badge I wear. I chose to focus my efforts on training, recuperation (particularly as I heal my knee), and being ready for the difficulties that lie ahead rather than letting rumors and speculation stop me.
I also ask all of you, the fans, to be responsible and kind. We have a special connection since one of the best things about being an athlete is having your support. However, that privilege also presents a chance to safeguard our community’s integrity. Ask yourself, “Do I know this is true?” before sharing or responding to anything extraordinary. Perhaps it would be best to wait if the response is negative.
I will speak for myself if there is ever something genuine to discuss, such as a decision, an update, or a significant achievement. Until then, consider rumors to be background talk rather than the truth.
Lastly, I want to say thank you. I am grateful to everyone who has supported me during my struggles, victories, and uncertainties. You are visible to me. I sense your enthusiasm and devotion. Let’s prevent that from being diluted by pointless chatter. Let’s focus on what matters most: a shared passion for the game, mutual respect, and the pursuit of perfection.
Leah Williamson