Manchester United goalkeeper Safia Middleton-Patel has opened up about her autism diagnosis and how it has impacted her life both on and off the pitch.
Middleton-Patel, who made her senior debut for Wales at the age of 18, says she had a meltdown after her debut and struggled mentally. She eventually sought help from United’s club doctor and was diagnosed with autism.
While the diagnosis was initially daunting, Middleton-Patel says it has been a weight off her shoulders and has helped her understand why she has struggled in the past. She also credits the support of her teammates, including Mary Earps and Phallon Tullis-Joyce, for helping her cope with her autism.
Middleton-Patel hopes that by speaking out about her experiences, she can help others who are struggling with autism.
“I just want to be that role model and show that everyone is different and be that person someone can come to and ask me questions about my experiences because I didn’t have that whilst I was going through it,” she said.
“In the past with some coaches, I haven’t been treated right just because they didn’t understand me.”
Middleton-Patel is tipped as a future Wales and Manchester United No 1 and even a potential FIFA Best winner, like team-mate Earps.
“I just want to be the best person I can be,” she said. “If that is being the best goalkeeper in the world, like Mary, then I would love to do that.”
