Sunderland coach Michael Proctor was "incredibly shocked" by the rape accusations made against the club's winger Jack Diamond, a court has heard.
Mr Diamond, 23, denies raping and sexually assaulting a woman at his home in Fatfield, Washington, on 7 May 2022.
He has told Newcastle Crown Court all activity with the woman was consensual.
In a statement read to jurors, Mr Proctor said Mr Diamond had grown from an "ambitious boy" into a "respected, humble and professional young man".
The former academy turned first-team coach said he had "thoroughly enjoyed" working with Mr Diamond, having done so since the footballer was 15 years old.