'It's so similar' - from elite footballers to enlisted firefighters

'It's so similar' - from elite footballers to enlisted firefightersTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.This video can not be playedFigure caption, A day in the life of former England defender and now firefighter Abbie McManusByAilsa CowenBBC Sport journalistPublished1 minute ago"We both just stood there - it was surreal. We used to be in the dressing room together and now we were just wanting this deer to stand up."For former England defender Abbie McManus - and ex-Leicester City striker Jess Sigsworth - the shift from elite footballers to firefighters has come with plenty of unexpected moments.None more so than, while working for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue, helping to free a deer that had become trapped in railings.One minute they were sharing Women's Super League dressing rooms at Manchester United and Leicester City; the next, they were side by side in helmets and breathing apparatus."It was one of those moments where we just looked at each other and thought, how has this become our life?" McManus said.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, McManus (second from top right) and Sigsworth (top right) played together for two seasons at Manchester United Growing up in the north of England, their paths crossed when they were at Manchester United, and their subsequent friendship helped to influence their next move."There were a couple of clubs that wanted us both," McManus said. "We said we'd move together. Leaving for Leicester was massive because Manchester is home."Having Jess there was like a comfort blanket. We lived together for a couple of years."Professional footballing careers do not always end on players' own terms, with both McManus (in 2023) and Sigsworth (in 2024) forced to retire because of serious injuries."I was medically retired," McManus explained. "I had a bad break in my leg. It was a bitter pill to swallow. I tried for 18...