Football
Mark Rodden 8y

Patrice Evra: France won Euro 2016 by standing up to terrorism

Patrice Evra believes the France national team and its supporters have "won everything" at Euro 2016 by standing up to the threat of terrorist attacks during the competition.

Evra, 35, was part of the France side that lost 1-0 to Portugal after extra time in Sunday's final at the Stade de France.

The Juventus left-back asked for forgiveness from fans on Instagram shortly after the game as the host country just came up short in their bid to become European champions for a third time.

There had been apprehension before the tournament following last November's terror attacks in Paris but fans from all over Europe trusted that a massive security presence would keep them safe.

France's run to the final saw thousands of French fans visit stadiums, fan zones and bars throughout the country to watch their team's matches and celebrate their success.

Having received hundreds of messages, Evra posted a new video on Instagram on Tuesday in which he thanked supporters for making him realise how special the tournament had been.

"Two days after losing this final, people are asking why I said sorry," Evra said. "It's because I'm a winner -- not having offered you this trophy hurt my heart.

"But when I read all your messages of support I say to myself: 'Pat, would you have preferred to win this trophy or to help out your country like we did?'

"Because you shouldn't forget that we were still under threat of terrorism. There were very serious attacks in France.

"I don't read the papers but I saw the images in the fan zones. That means that the French were free to go to the fan zones, to express their joy, to have this pride in being French.

"So in fact we won everything. We helped out our country. It's now that I realise that, through your messages. I thank you all."

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