Sheffield United striker Ched Evans has been charged with rape.
The 22-year-old Welsh international was arrested with another man of the same age after an alleged incident in Rhyl, Denbighshire on Tuesday, May 31.
The forward, who has been capped 22 times for his country, released a statement through his legal team on his club's official website.
"We wish to confirm that Ched Evans has this week been charged with an offence of rape by the North Wales Police," the statement read.
"Ched has decided voluntarily to make this information public as he wishes to express his extreme shock and disappointment at having been charged with this offence."
A police spokesman said: "A 22-year-old man from Crewe and a 22-year-old man from Rhyl have both been charged with rape.
"Both men were arrested on suspicion of rape on 31 May and were charged with the offence on Tuesday, 26 July.
"Both have been bailed to appear before Prestatyn magistrates on Monday, 8 August," they added.
Evans began his career with Manchester City before a spell at Norwich City. He moved to Sheffield United in 2009 but has since been linked with a move away from Bramall Lane.
Jack Prescott
