The BBC star, now 37, says she fell "madly and deeply in love" with the striker as a young player.
Speaking at the launch of her new memoir, Alex admitted she was heartbroken when she and Kelly split - but says she wouldn't change a thing.
At the time, both women had their demons. Kelly, who is six years older than Alex, was caught in the grip of alcoholism.
And Alex's traumatic upbringing with a controlling father left her vulnerable.
When it came to writing the chapter on her first love Kelly, deeply private Alex said she nearly couldn't do it.
This story is from the September 28, 2022 edition of Daily Express.
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This story is from the September 28, 2022 edition of Daily Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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