Ched Evans: I am not capable of rape

Convicted rapist Ched Evans has vowed to prove his innocence and return to football.

The 25-year-old footballer, who was released from prison on Friday having served half of a five-year sentence for raping a woman in a hotel room, told the Sunday Mirror shortly before he was freed that he was not capable of rape and was stunned by his conviction.

He said cheating on his girlfriend was "unforgivable", and wished he "could turn back the clock".

But protesting his innocence, the former Sheffield United player said: "I am not capable of rape. She has helped me to cope. I want to play football again, but I am determined to prove my innocence.

“I really thought it would have been thrown out of court and I was stunned when I was convicted.I had done nothing wrong.

"It was something that should never have happened. I cheated on my girlfriend and had sex with this girl - but it was definitely consensual."