Former Sheffield United striker Ched Evans has expressed "regret" at cheating on his loyal girlfriend Natasha Massey, but has not shown remorse following his rape conviction.
The 25-year-old was released from prison in the early hours of Friday morning after serving half of a five-year sentence for raping a 19-year-old woman at a hotel back in May 2011.
Evans, who has claimed that he wants to return to football, has maintained his innocence and intends to clear his name.
In an interview with The Mirror, the former Wales international said: "I regret everything that happened and wish I could turn back the clock. I am very lucky my girlfriend Tasha has stood by me.
"She knows 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."
More than 150,000 people have signed an online petition urging Sheffield United not to re-employ Evans.
Danielle Joynson
