Former England and Manchester City star David White has become the fourth former footballer to go public as a victim of sexual abuse.
White, now 49, made nearly 400 league appearances for City, Leeds and Sheffield United between 1985 and 1998, and earned his single England cap in 1992.
The Manchester-born forward played locally before joining City's youth set-up. It was during this period that he says he met Barry Bennell, a coach and talent scout who sexually abused young boys across three decades from the 1970s onward.
White said in a statement reported by the BBC that he was among those abused by Bennell.
He said: "Given recent press stories I wish to confirm that I was sexually abused by my former football coach Barry Bennell in the late 70s and early 80s - this abuse took place while I was attached to Whitehill FC Junior team based in Manchester."
White said: "Last year I made the decision to gather my thoughts, reflect on my own experience, and tell my life story in my own words."
His story will be detailed in a book, 'Shades of Blue: The Hidden Torment of a Football Star'.
"I did not set out to write a story about the abuse, but knew I would have to include it," White said.
"In doing so I have come to terms with the fact that Bennell's actions influenced almost every event and relationship in my life.
"The process of writing the book became sometimes painful, always cathartic and incredibly liberating.
"I would like to say that I do not feel brave.
"This is just my story and I am now happy to tell it because despite the profound effects of 1979/80 I feel like one of the lucky ones.
"Circumstances took me away from the abuse before it escalated. I salute Andy Woodward, Steve Walters, and Paul Stewart for so bravely revealing their personal tragedies.
"The physical abuse they and others suffered was certainly more extreme and prolonged than my ordeal, and I cannot be sure that I would have their courage."
