Jill Roord, a former midfielder for Arsenal and Manchester City, recently shared insights into her relationship with hockey player Pien Sanders. The couple has faced criticism following a photoshoot that openly expressed their affection.

Despite being together for nine months, the Dutch athletes have faced scrutiny over the origins of their relationship, as both were in other partnerships when they first crossed paths.

At the time, the 28-year-old Roord was in a two-year relationship with Spanish international Jana Fernandez. Meanwhile, the 27-year-old Sanders was involved in a decade-long relationship with fellow hockey player Thijs van Dam.

Their mutual attraction was highlighted through a series of intimate photographs.

In particular, a couple of images stood out as bold, with Sanders perched on Roord’s lap, their heads gently touching.

Jill Roord (left) and Pien Sanders have posed for a photoshoot while declaring their love

In one photo Sanders could be seen wrapped around Roord’s legs

The photoshoot was taken for Linda Meiden, with the couple revealing how their love started

Another striking photo captured Sanders kneeling with her arms around Roord’s legs, while Roord wore underwear emblazoned with “I love my girlfriend,” substituting the word “love” with a heart emoji.

Roord was on Sanders’ radar first as one of Roord’s friends showed a picture to her without her knowledge and suggested she attend one of her matches.

After a brief exchange on Instagram, Sanders broke up with her Van Dam days later – citing that she felt more attracted to women for a while.

During this time, Roord’s relationship with Fernandez was facing difficulties due to their long-distance relationship. When Roord heard Sanders was single, she soon split with Fernandez.

Speaking about their initial spark, which was solely via messaging, Sanders said of Roord to Linda Meiden: ‘We felt a connection through the screen. I felt bad about myself. I’m incredibly loyal. “F***”, I thought, “I don’t want to feel what I’m feeling inside right now”. I slept poorly because of it.’

After eventually meeting up and sharing their first kiss, their relationship would become more intimate. Reflecting on their relationship, Sanders admits she can understand why there are some sceptics about her new relationship.

‘People respected my struggles: was I gay? For others, it was hard to see that I could instantly fall in love with someone else, and I understand that completely,’ she added.

Meanwhile, Roord said of their relationship: ‘We both made a decision that would come as a shock to others, and we were aware of that. But in the end, you have to live with yourself until you’re eighty, and then the most important thing is that you’re happy.’

The footballer and hockey player share a kiss in another picture during the photoshoot

Roord is playing football for Twente, while Sanders plays hockey for Den Bosch – both in the Netherlands

The couple looked very cosy in a series of photos for the magazine’s shoot

Sanders was in a 10-year relationship with her then-boyfriend Thijs van Dam – also a hockey player

Roord was in a two-year relationship with Spain international Jana Fernandez (left) 

Their relationship and photoshoot has been criticised on social media

They both currently play in the Netherlands, Roord is playing football for Twente, while Sanders plays hockey for Den Bosch – a journey that is just under two hours by car.

Their stance comes amid criticism on social media for their interview and photoshoot with Linda Meiden.

One fan took to social media describing it as ‘nasty work’ for the way the pair ended relationships to be together.

Another user questioned: ‘Please why did Jill Roord and her girlfriend think this is a good idea? They come off as major jerks.’

‘Jill Roord is so shameless why would you openly admit that,’ wrote another.