Marcus Rashford's girlfriend Lucia Loi has shared an emotional account of her battle with endometriosis, revealing she broke down in tears after the condition forced her to miss a close friend's birthday celebration.
Loi, who has travelled to North America to support Rashford during England's World Cup campaign, opened up about her health struggles in a heartfelt Instagram post that drew messages of support from fellow football partners and supporters.
The 28-year-old was in the stands as Thomas Tuchel's side defeated Panama 2-0 to finish top of their World Cup group, with Rashford starting on the left wing as England booked their place in the knockout stages.
Away from the pitch, however, Loi revealed she has been dealing with the daily challenges of endometriosis, a chronic condition that affects millions of women worldwide.
Sharing a photograph of herself crying in bed, she explained that she had been fully prepared for an evening out before her symptoms forced her to stay at home.
"This was me last night," Loi wrote.
"I had my heels on, my makeup done, and I was ready to go and celebrate my friend's birthday. Endometriosis had other ideas.
"I've been meaning to post about this for so long, but I never really found the courage.
Marcus Rashford's girlfriend Lucia Loi has shared an emotional account of her battle with endometriosis, revealing she broke down in tears after the condition forced her to miss a close friend's birthday celebration
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Marcus Rashford pictured with Lucia Loi at the Qatar World Cup back in 2022 | GETTY"Last night, though, I felt so much anger at the fact that so many women go through this while there are so few effective treatment options and the condition remains so under-researched.
"Over time, I have found some things that have helped to an extent and intend to share more of that. I'm sending so much love to anyone living with a women's health condition."
According to the NHS, endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows elsewhere in the body, most commonly around the pelvic organs.
The condition can cause severe pelvic pain, painful periods, inflammation, scar tissue and fertility problems.
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Match stats from England's 2-0 win over Panama at the World Cup | GETTY/GB NEWSThere is currently no cure, and it is estimated to affect around one in 10 women in the UK.
Loi's post quickly prompted an outpouring of support on social media, including from several high-profile partners of England footballers.
Megan Pickford, the wife of goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, responded: "Oh my darling, such an important message."
Sasha Attwood, partner of Jack Grealish, added: "Love you special girl."
Loi and Rashford have known each other since their school days at Ashton-on-Mersey School in Greater Manchester and have shared an on-off relationship over the past decade.
The pair first began dating as teenagers before separating in 2021.
Marcus Rashford has featured in all three of England's World Cup matches so far
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They reunited the following year, with Rashford proposing, but later went their separate ways again.
Following Rashford's loan move to Barcelona, however, the couple rekindled their romance once more, with Loi now supporting the Manchester United forward throughout England's World Cup campaign.
Rashford has already played an important role in Tuchel's squad, scoring against Croatia before helping England finish top of their group with victory over Panama.
The Three Lions return to action against DR Congo on Wednesday (5pm).