Ched Evans: Former Manchester City Premier League Prospect Releases Statement In Attempt To Clear 'Rapist' Tag

Ched Evans was once hailed as the best prospect at Manchester City, however a financial takeover ensured the club would no longer need Premier League prospects, with the club able to buy "any player in the world." Ched then went on to make a name for himself at Sheffield United, before his world came crashing down. The forward was given a five-year jail sentence, and would be forever labelled a "convicted rapist," but he and his girlfriend claim he never committed the crime, with the woman giving her consent. He has now left jail, but has no plans to quietly curl away; he wants to clear his name and rebuild his career.

Ched released this lengthy statement:

"Since that night I have constantly regretted my act of infidelity and the damage that has been done on so many fronts because of it. The support that has been shown by Natasha, our friends and family during the trial and the time spent in prison has kept me strong. It can't have been an easy thing to have stood my someone who the court found guilty of such a destructive act. I will be forever grateful. Even though I have been released from prison I am determined to continue the fight to clear my name and it is public knowledge that an application to refer my case back to the Court of Appeal has recently been submitted to the Criminal Case Review Commission by my lawyers."

He continued: "The application seeks to demonstrate that the act I engaged in on that night were consensual in nature and not rape.  I made an incredibly foolish decision and failed those people who trusted and believed in me, most of all Tasha and our families. It is a rare and extraordinary privilege to be permitted to play professional football. Now that I served the custodial part of my sentence of two-and-a-half years it is my hope that I will be able to return to football. If that is possible then I would do so with humility having learned a very painful lesson. I would like a second chance but I know not everyone would agree. I don't believe I have a given right to play again but for any club to take me on I have learned a valuable lesson and know that over time I can prove myself to be positive influence - not just on the pitch - but also in the community."

He concluded, saying, "Thank you for listening to me."

Will the one-time top prospect clear his name, and should he fight to do so, or should he try to start a fresh life elsewhere?