The ex-Sheffield United footballer spent two-and-a-half years in jail after he was convicted in 2012 of raping a 19-year-old in a hotel in north Wales.

Evans, 27, was released from jail in 2014 after serving half of his five-year term. He has not been signed by a new club since his release from prison.

Evans released a statement thanking his girlfriend Natasha Massey for her 'unconditional love, belief and support'.

"We all welcome today's decision by the Court of Appeal... however, there are no winners and no celebration," his statement read.

"Ched would like to place on record his thanks to the judiciary for carrying out a detailed process, repaying his faith in the legal system."