Talking about abuse I had saved my life

FORMER England star Paul Stewart says the decision to go public about his childhood abuse saved his life - and has helped countless other victims.

- BY JEREMY ARMSTRONG

Paul's courage in speaking out in the Mirror in 2016 inspired hundreds to reveal their suffering in the football sex predator scandal.

He met with the Mirror again at Wembley as he was presented with the FA's Sir Bobby Charlton award for services to football.

Stepping out in front of 74,289 fans at halftime in the Three Lions' 2-0 victory over Serbia, his thoughts were on his late dad Bert.

Paul, 61, said: "I was brought up in Wythenshawe and am a Man Utd fan and my dad was a big Sir Bobby Charlton fan, so I am honoured and this means so much to me and my family."