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Injury Provided Time for Grief, Says Toone
England midfielder Ella Toone revealed that a period of recovery from injury allowed her to properly grieve the loss of her father, stating she hadn’t truly processed her grief until then.
Nick Toone received a prostate cancer diagnosis the day after the Lionesses’ Euro 2022 victory, a match in which his daughter scored the opening goal. He passed away in September 2024, three days before his 60th birthday.
Manchester United’s Women’s Super League season commenced just two weeks later, and Toone started every league game until sustaining a calf injury during training in November.
Toone experienced a goal drought in the six matches leading up to her injury, admitting a loss of passion for the game.
“I had just lost my dad before the season started,” the 25-year-old shared on The Tooney & Russo Show.
“I played on, but probably wasn’t enjoying it as much as I should have been. I wouldn’t have admitted it then; I just wanted to play for him.
“The injury made me realize I needed to step away and focus on my mental well-being. I needed to rediscover my love for the game and miss it.”
This time off allowed Toone to prioritize physical and mental recovery. She engaged in counseling and spent time in Dubai with her partner, Joe, during rehabilitation.
“Initially, I didn’t miss football,” she added. “Rehab was good; I enjoyed getting stronger. It was crucial for my mental health and finally grieving. I don’t think I truly grieved; I didn’t think it was real.”
Ella Toone celebrated her return from injury with a goal in a 7-0 FA Cup victory against West Brom.
After a nine-week absence, Toone made a strong comeback, scoring six goals in her first five matches back for United, including a stunning hat-trick against rivals Manchester City.
“Being back with the team, I realized I missed it, and that’s when I knew I was ready,” Toone stated.
“I started playing well, scoring goals. My love for the game returned, and I wasn’t putting excessive pressure on myself to score for my dad or fearing I’d never score again.
“The timing was perfect; now it’s about maintaining this momentum. It’s challenging in football because of the inherent ups and downs.”
Toone is currently with the England national team, preparing for matches against Portugal and Spain in the Nations League.
Her former United teammate, best friend, and podcast partner Alessia Russo (now with Arsenal), immediately traveled to Manchester upon hearing about Nick’s passing.
“Living far apart was hard enough,” Russo said. “When something so significant happens, I just wanted to be there.
“Regardless of whether she needed me, I wanted to be there, to support her, to help in any way possible.
“Being distant at a time like that is incredibly tough. I went to see her as soon as I could. I know Tooney would do the same for me.”
Ella Toone described her father as her biggest supporter.
Russo was among numerous teammates from club and country who offered Toone unwavering support during this difficult period.
“Everyone rallied around me,” Toone added. “My teammates were amazing, just being present and supportive.
“The turnout at the funeral was incredible. Teammates traveled from London and Germany. I’m so fortunate to have them; I don’t know what I’d have done without them.”
Toone concluded a challenging season—both on and off the pitch—with an impressive eight goals and four assists. Each goal was celebrated with a gesture to the sky, honoring her father.
“It’s difficult because everyone grieves, shares memories, and then moves on. But for us, it’s still raw.
“I’ve been incredibly lucky to have amazing people around me, and I couldn’t have gotten through it without them. Now I want to continue moving forward and making him proud.”
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, you can visit the BBC Action Line.
Season Two of the Tooney and Russo Show launches on BBC Sounds and YouTube on Friday, May 30th, with new episodes every Monday and Friday.
Injury a ‘Blessing in Disguise,’ Says Toone
Toone Finds Happiness After Return from Injury
Toone: ‘I’ve Rekindled My Love for Football’