Vera Pauw says she is overwhelmed by the support she has received from the Irish public since she went public earlier this month alleging that she was raped 30 years ago in the Netherlands.
The Ireland manager released a statement on Twitter in which she wrote about incidents that took place during her time as a player.
Immediately, messages of support flooded in from fans and footballers, and Pauw also received strong backing from the FAI, who assisted her in coming forward with the allegations.
Pauw was speaking on RTE at the weekend when she said: “The fact people have welcomed me and given me so much love and support, it was something I could hardly handle.
“Especially the people in Ireland, everyone made such an effort to really write something to me. I’ve seen most of the messages, it is incredible.
“People said actually, come here and we will make sure you are safe.
“The key thing is, here in Ireland I always felt safe. There has not been one moment I didn’t feel safe.
“Feeling a nation take care of me, that is something I could hardly grasp. I want to express my gratitude for that. It makes me strong. I stay on my feet because of it.”
Pauw has brought Ireland to the verge of the World Cup play-offs. A win on September 1 against Finland would secure second place in their qualification group.
Pauw’s statement came days after Ireland’s 9-0 win away to Georgia last month.
She said: “I feel free. It is already a better feeling than two weeks ago.
“I am free in who I am. People know who I am. From here I can build my life further and feel free to have the rest of my life in a space that is mine and not ruled by others.
“The fear I have is that I am called the abused coach. Vera Pauw with the abuse behind me. I hope everyone helps me to be Vera, the same Vera and the same coach.
“Yes I have a difficult past and everyone knows that but I am still the same. That is why I am here.
“I could have said, ‘I am not doing it. I am going to hide myself,’ but I want to show everybody you have welcomed me.
“You put your arms around me. I will be there for you again as a coach.”
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