Paul Stewart has bravely revealed that he was sexually abused as a young footballer.
Speaking to the Mirror, the former England international who played for Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool, explained how a youth team coach attacked him from age 11 to 15 after pledging to “make him a star”.
Not only that but the coach in question threatened to kill the footballer’s relatives if he ever told anyone. The mental and physical anguish he must have gone through during this period beggars belief.
Now 52 years of age, Stewart has bravely come out about the horrendous child abuse, in the hope that others will find the courage to do to the same.
He explains:
“I could never tell my team-mates. I was always under threat, if I was not playing well, he would threaten me with violence as well as sexual abuse. He was a monster.
“I have seen a counsellor, but I am resigned to the fact it will always be there and it is how I deal with it. I don’t sit around the house crying all the time, but tears are a release at times.
“I hope it will encourage others to find some kind of closure, to deal with it.
“I want you to help other victims bring these people to justice. Whatever walk of life they are in, I hope they are able to come forward.”
More to follow.
