Mason Greenwood was arrested in January 2022 after allegations emerged
Attempted rape and battery charges against Manchester United footballer Mason Greenwood have been dropped.
The 21-year-old was arrested in January 2022 on charges involving images and videos.
He was later charged with attempted rape, acts of coercion and assault causing actual bodily harm.
In a statement, Greenwood said he was relieved and thanked family and friends for their support.
The Crown Prosecution Service said the charges were dropped after the lead witness withdrew his involvement.
A spokesman said: "We have a responsibility to keep cases under review.
In this case, the withdrawal of key witnesses and the emergence of new material means that there is no longer a realistic prospect of conviction. In such circumstances, it is our duty to stop the case.
We have explained our decision to all parties.
We will always encourage any potential victim to come forward and make a police report, and we will prosecute wherever our legal tests are met.
Image credit Reuters Image caption The footballer has not played for Manchester United since the allegations emerged
In a statement issued on behalf of Greenwood, the 21-year-old said: "I am relieved this matter is now over and I would like to thank my family, loved ones and friends for their support.
There will be no further comment at this time.
The striker, who has one cap for England, was banned from playing or training at the club at Old Trafford within hours of the allegations arose in early 2022.
A Manchester United representative said the club had taken note of the Crown Prosecution Service's decision to drop all charges against Mason Greenwood.
Clubs will now carry out their own procedures before finalizing what they say are the next steps.
We will not be making any further comment until the process is complete.
The BBC understands Greenwood will not return to training or competition until the process is complete.
Greater Manchester Police said it was only fair to announce that Greenwood would no longer face criminal proceedings.
Ch Supt Michaela Kerr said the decision was not taken lightly.
She added: "However, I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate that the police are committed to investigating allegations of violence against women and girls and to supporting those affected, whatever their circumstances, as this may be a difficult and difficult time for them." Frustrating times.