Patrice Evra admitted that he knows the “secret” behind one Manchester United legend’s success and how it is a primary motivator for the player on the pitch.
The 43-year-old Frenchman had a prolific playing career and revelled in incredible success during his time at Old Trafford under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Signed from Monaco in 2006, Patrice Evra went on to lift five Premier League titles, a Champions League and three League Cups with Manchester United.
The former United defender shared the pitch with a star-studded roster of talent at Old Trafford, including Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and Rio Ferdinand.
Evra stayed at United after Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013 and played under former Red Devils boss David Moyes before leaving Old Trafford in 2014.
The ex-France international went on to play for Juventus, Marseille and West Ham before he called it time on his illustrious playing career in 2019.
Evra shares Man Utd legend’s ‘secret’
Speaking to SportsNow (via Times Now), Patrice Evra opened up about his relationship with former Manchester United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo shot to superstardom during his first spell at Old Trafford after Sir Alex Ferguson brought him to United from Sporting CP in 2003.
The 39-year-old Portuguese forward went on to have a legendary career in the sport and Ronaldo is widely considered one of the best players of all time.
During his first spell at Old Trafford, Ronaldo lifted three Premier League titles, a Champions League, two League Cups and an FA Cup.
Evra insisted that Ronaldo, who lifted the first of his five Ballon d’Or awards at United, is “always angry” when he’s playing football.
The United legend added that anger is a “secret” motivator for Ronaldo and Evra admitted he would not be surprised if his former teammate played until 45 years old.
“With Cristiano, you know his secret is he’s always angry no matter what he wins, no matter what he achieved, he has that anger, so that’s why until Ronaldo is angry he will keep playing football,” Evra said.
“I won’t be surprised if he keeps playing till 45 because I don’t think in his head he’s like even thinking of retiring one day.”
Evra on Ronaldo vs Messi debate
Ronaldo’s legendary playing career has often seen the five-time Ballon d’Or winner pitted in the so-called ‘GOAT’ debate alongside Barcelona legend Lionel Messi.
Evra staunchly defended his position over picking Ronaldo ahead of Lionel Messi by admitting that he ‘loves’ the Al Nassr superstar’s work ethic.
“People always say I pick Ronaldo over Messi because Ronaldo is my brother; now I do that because I’m in love with the work ethic,” he said.
“Messi, God gave him a gift, but Cristiano, he had to work out to be where he is.”