'UNBEARABLE SUFFERING'
Christoph Metzelder – Ex-Germany star sobs as he admits to ‘extreme fantasies’ after ‘sharing pics of kids being raped’
CHRISTOPH Metzelder has sobbed as he admitted to having "extreme fantasies" and sharing pictures of kids being raped.
The 40-year-old German World Cup star pleaded guilty to passing on 29 files with abuse images to three women via WhatsApp.
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According to the case against him, 297 files with sexual content featuring children or teens were found on his mobile phone.
The public prosecutor told the court that in August 2019 that Metzelder sent photos showing the sexual abuse and rape of children under 10 years old.
After admitting the charges he was sentenced to ten months on probation, avoiding a possible three year jail sentence.
Metzelder said he obtained pictures that were available on the internet and took screenshots.
"In these chats I exchanged extreme fantasies, and it was also about the unspeakable," a sobbing Metzelder told Dusseldorf District Court.
“I know the unspeakable suffering behind each of these photos.
"I ask for forgiveness on behalf of all victims of sexual violence. I know I am leaving a wound that may never heal. "
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Metzelder said he had never taken part in "attacks on children and youths... despite the graphic comments in the chats".
"It only took place in a digital parallel universe," he said.
Metzelder had been working as a pundit for Sky Sports Germany until he came under investigation in September 2019 but he has not addressed the accusations in public.
He said when the charges came to light, "marked a break with the past - professionally, socially and privately".
Metzelder told the court that he shared the images "although I know what horrible suffering inflicted on children is behind each digital file".
He said he would "accept the punishment" imposed by the court and asked for forgiveness from "the victims of sexual violence".
His lawyer Ulrich Sommer said last week Metzelder was in therapy, to help him address "certain issues such as sexuality or dealing with women in certain situations".
Sommer said the former centre-back was "shocked at himself for having had this kind of double life", but insisted his client is ";obviously not" a paedophile.
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Metzelder was part of the starting line-up in the finals of both the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2008, going on to make 47 appearances for Germany.
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He played for major clubs such as Madrid and Borussia Dortmund in a career spanning 15 years.
He retired from football in 2014 and since 2006, Metzelder has run a foundation in his own name to support socially disadvantaged children across Germany.
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