The Black Cats winger Adam Johnson has pleaded guilty to one count of sexual activity with a child and one count of grooming.
However, he continues to deny two charges of sexual activity with a girl aged under 16.
The Wearside-born footballer arrived at Bradford Crown Court this morning with his girlfriend Stacey Flounders.
The 28-year-old was arrested in April last year after an investigation by Durham Police but had his case moved from Durham.
Mr Johnson, from Castle Eden, County Durham, has also earned 12 caps for England.
Born in Sunderland, he began his career at Middlesbrough before moving to Manchester City and then to Sunderland for £10 million in 2012.