Share

Evra vows to return 'stronger than ever'

Paris - Patrice Evra has vowed to come back "stronger than ever" in his first public message since leaving Marseille and being hit with a season-long European football ban for kung-fu kicking a supporter.

Evra, who was sent off after attacking the Marseille fan ahead of the Ligue 1 side's 1-0 Europa League defeat to Vitoria Guimaraes on November 2, made the promise while pulling a Jeep in a light-hearted Instagram post filmed in Dubai by former Arsenal and Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka, who Evra nicknamed "Spielberg" in the post.

"I swear to God I will come back stronger than ever," said the former France and Manchester United left-back.

"Sometimes life you can feel really heavy but you always have to keep smiling, and of course keep loving this game."

The 36-year-old's ban only applies to UEFA club competitions, meaning that he could still play in a domestic league should a club approach him.

Evra, who has won five Premier titles, two Serie A championships and the Champions League, parted ways with Marseille on Saturday almost immediately after being banned from European competition and fined 10,000 euros ($11,650, 8,891).

Evra lashed out in response to a group of supporters that had come to the pitchside to berate him for what they considered sub-par displays on the south coast of France.

On Sunday Marseille goalkeeper Steve Mandanda backed his former teammate, saying that Evra was a "true friend and a good guy", while France coach Didier Deschamps described his punishment as "heavy".

The club's American owner Frank McCourt blamed both player and fans for the incident, calling it "unacceptable behaviour" and "not something we can tolerate at "Marseille".

Evra's dismissal from Marseille also came after supporters unfurled a huge banner before their home match with Caen last week that read: "We don't want you in our colours anymore. Evra get lost."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1471 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2250 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE