Football
Ben Gladwell, Italy correspondent 10y

Patrice Evra delighted to join Juve

Patrice Evra said his transfer to Juventus was the "perfect" option after deciding to leave Manchester United for personal reasons.

- Allegri: Vidal not on the market
- Rzouki: New era begins with a draw

Evra, 33, was presented as a Juve player at a news conference in Turin on Thursday before joining his new teammates for preseason training.

The Frenchman said joining the Italian champions was an easy decision after opting to leave the Red Devils following an eight-and-a-half-year stay in Manchester.

"I had to leave Manchester United for personal reasons and, three months before the end of the season, I told my agent to listen to offers," Evra said. "The offer from Juventus was perfect because all they think about is winning and that reflects my culture."

Evra is returning to the country where he took his first steps in football.

"I have a lot to thank Italy for," he said. "It's the country that opened the door to professional football for me. I was only a 17-year-old lad when I played for Marsala and, while I didn't play much at Monza, that is where I met my agents, who are like brothers to me. I never forget my first emotions in football, in Sicily."

Since leaving Italy in 2000, Evra has enjoyed a highly successful career, winning the Coupe de la Ligue with Monaco in 2003 before claiming five Premier League titles and the Champions League at United, as well as three League Cups medals and a Club World Cup.

Nonetheless, his hunger for success has not subsided.

"I always want to win at all costs," Evra added. "I want to show Serie A the player I have been for Manchester United, where I won everything."

^ Back to Top ^