Wednesday 24 February 2016 09:33, UK
Adam Johnson has told a court his world was "turned upside down" when he was arrested over sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl.
The former Sunderland player said he "panicked" and was "in turmoil" during his police interview following his arrest in March 2015.
Johnson, 28, told Bradford Crown Court he admitted kissing the girl in his car but said he tried to "play it down".
The court has heard how the pair swapped telephone numbers and messages for a number of weeks before they met in January last year for Johnson to sign a Sunderland shirt for the girl.
Johnson, who has made a number of appearances for England, said WhatsApp messages became "flirty" and "inappropriate" before a second meeting on January 30.
The winger has admitted grooming and passionately kissing the girl in his black Range Rover, but denies two counts of further sexual activity.
Johnson was arrested at the home he shares with his girlfriend Stacey Flounders in Castle Eden, Co Durham.
He admitted he did not always answer some police questions truthfully.
He said: "My world had got turned upside down and I was trying to play it down as much as I could."
When asked by Orlando Pownall QC, defending, about what state he was in during his first interview, Johnson said: "I was panicking.
"I had all these thoughts going through my mind about everything.
"To name a couple: my career, my family. I was in turmoil."
The footballer said he was "surprised" the girl had told police further sexual activity had taken place.
He said: "I couldn't believe the things she was saying to police. I felt like someone else was telling her to say these things."
The trial continues. Read more on Sky News.
