Patrice Evra

Socrates · January 9, 2017

Manchester United Transfer News: Patrice Evra

Discussed by Juventus Amid Rumours

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2685977-manchester-united-

transfer-news-patrice-evra-discussed-by-juventus-amid-rumours

Jan 9, 2017

Juventus have confirmed Patrice Evra was left out of the squad on Sunday as he decides whether to leave the club, with Manchester United reportedly in the running to re-sign the defender.

Evra signed for Juve from United in 2014, and Giuseppe Marotta, chief executive of the Serie A side, said the France full-back could be moving on again.

Per Sky Sport Italia (h/t Iain Strachan for Goal), Marotta said:

Evra was not called up to the squad because he's thinking about his future. If he leaves, we will not sign a replacement.

It's only right he's taking a moment to reflect, as his contract will expire in June, he is 35 years old going towards 36. We'll see next week.

I don't think we need to find a replacement, as we have internal options like Kwadwo Asamoah and Federico Mattiello.

Marotta's comments follow those of Evra's agent, Federico Pastorello, who said that it wasn't guaranteed the player will quit Turin.

He told Juvenews.eu (h/t the Guardian): "It's not certain he will leave Juventus. We'll see what happens over the next few days."

Evra was a fans' favourite and a big success during his six years at Old Trafford, winning the Premier League title five times in a period that also included a UEFA Champions League triumph.

However, any supporters with hopes of a dream return could be scuppered by United boss Jose Mourinho, who isn't keen on bringing the player back, according to Simon Jones of the Daily Mail.

Jones wrote that United "do not intend to bring Evra back and are unlikely to make any new additions in January."

Evra boasts a sharp defensive mind and offers positive attacking intent, and it can be argued that United haven't truly replaced him since his switch to Italy two years ago.

Indeed, left-back looks to be a problem position for Mourinho.

After a promising opening to the season, the injury-prone Luke Shaw hasn't featured since November due to a groin problem.

The 21-year-old signed for United from Southampton for £27 million in 2015 but has struggled badly with injuries. However, in the appearances he has made, the England international has shown he can be a key player for seasons to come—if his body holds up.

In terms of other options, Daley Blind can fill in at left-back, but his passing and technical ability is best served in central areas, while Matteo Darmian has only had a small run of games.

Additionally, Marcos Rojo has played left-back on several occasions but has recently developed a solid centre-back understanding with Phil Jones. Mourinho would surely be loath to switch the Argentina international to full-back and disrupt the defensive shape once more.

Mourinho's reported reluctance over capturing Evra is a possible sign of confidence in Shaw.

At 35 years old, Evra would likely only offer a stop-gap solution for the remainder of this season, so it is perhaps wise for the Portuguese to put his faith in the much younger Shaw to eventually fill the left-back slot on a regular basis at United.

Socrates · January 9, 2017

Should Juventus defender Patrice Evra return to Manchester United?

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/blog/soccer-usa/3/post/3035282/

should-juventus-defender-patrice-evra-return-to-man-united

Jan 9, 2017

Patrice Evra's future at Juventus is in doubt and it has led to Rio Ferdinand, among others, asking if the France defender could make an emotional return to Manchester United -- but would he be a useful addition?

Juventus director Beppe Marotta has confirmed that Evra is "considering his future" at the Italian club, with the 35-year-old having been left out of their squad for the 3-0 victory over Bologna on Sunday. He had signed a one-year contract extension last summer, with the option of another year.

Below we look at the pros and cons of United bringing back Evra, who spent eight years at Old Trafford from 2006-2014, winning five Premier League titles and the Champions League.

Pros

What Evra has to offer is not just about his on-field skills, it is also his presence and what he symbolises. This is a man who understands what Manchester United are about, loves what they stand for, connects with fans, and provides a link with their glorious past.

His return would be a popular move among many associated with the club and there could even be the prospect of him using his vast experience, beyond his playing career, as a coach.

The multi-lingual Frenchman's social media output reflects what he can bring to a dressing room, as he is capable of being a fun figure, who is happy, entertaining and inspirational. Similar to the signing of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Evra would be a shining light for other players to look up to.

Underneath the playful exterior -- the singing; the dressing up as a panda to send out anti-racism messages -- there is a strong character too. The way he recovered from a troubled start to his United career to become such a success is evidence of that.

United midfielder Paul Pogba has described him as "my uncle" and there are others who might be tempted to move to United because of Evra's presence. Should United pursue a move for France striker Antoine Griezmann, then the presence of Evra would do no harm.

Left-back is a problem area for United at present, due to Luke Shaw's injury issues and strained relationship with manager Jose Mourinho, so Evra can add depth, even just as a squad player. Although Evra is no longer a regular starter at Juventus, he has still been playing in the Champions League, so the quality is still there.

And, despite the concerns about his age, the likes of Ibrahimovic and Michael Carrick have already proven this season that older players can have a big impact.

Cons

Evra leaving Juventus would make sense if he was assured regular first-team football elsewhere but, should he end up at United, he could find the situation frustrating there too.

Shaw, despite his problems, is still only 21 and the young Englishman is the left-back who United will invest more effort into developing in the long run. They will not want to stall his frustrating progression any further.

The argument about Evra stepping in as a squad player is weakened by the fact that United already have Daley Blind who can slot in there, plus the likes of Marcos Rojo and Matteo Darmian.

Evra's recent performance levels have also raised some question marks about how long he has left at the top level, with Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri unlikely to have been impressed by the Frenchman's display in the Italian Super Cup defeat against AC Milan on Dec. 23. On that occasion, the former United defender was given a torrid time by Milan forward Suso, who was surplus to requirements at Liverpool.

That showing was not his only bad day at the office either and Evra lost his place in the starting XI to Alex Sandro. The Brazilian has given Juventus a dynamic, attacking threat from defensive areas and that has highlighted what Evra cannot do as well these days with his ageing legs.

For all the talk of a love affair between Evra and United, it must be noted that the Frenchman was annoyed by the manner of his exit, so it was not an entirely smooth parting of ways. Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward would need to be content with Evra returning despite those circumstances.

Socrates · January 9, 2017

Agent: ‘Evra is confused’

http://www.football-italia.net/96647/agent-‘evra-confused’

Jan 9, 2017

Patrice Evra’s agent says it’s “premature” to talk about his client leaving Juventus but admits he’s “confused”.

The left-back has been linked with a move away from Turin in January, and wasn’t included in the squad for the win over Bologna.

That was taken as a confirmation that the Frenchman will leave the Bianconeri, but his representative insists nothing is decided.

“I think that to talk about his farewell being certain is, at the moment, premature,” Federico Pastorello told JuveNews.

“Patrice is confused, he hasn’t yet decided anything about his future.”

Socrates · January 11, 2017

Agent: 'Evra leaves in January'

http://www.football-italia.net/96682/agent-evra-leaves-january

Jan 10, 2017

Patrice Evra “will probably leave Juventus in January,” confirmed his agent, as Valencia, West Ham and Manchester United are interested.

The 35-year-old will be out of contract at the end of the season and has been left out of the squad for the last two games against Bologna and Atalanta.

“I have not met Juventus today and I have no meetings with them planned at the moment,” agent Federico Pastorello told Juvenews.eu.

“I think he will probably leave Juventus in January.”

It’s reported that Valencia have made a firm offer to take Evra and he is giving it some serious thought.

Manchester United were reported to be interested, but it doesn’t seem as if they ever made a serious proposal.

West Ham United are another option, though if he did return to England, it would be to Old Trafford.

Socrates · January 13, 2017

Evra close to Crystal Palace

http://www.football-italia.net/96793/evra-close-crystal-palace

Jan 12, 2017

Multiple Italian reports claim Patrice Evra is ready to leave Juventus, but rather than Valencia or Manchester United he’s heading to Crystal Palace.

It is well known that the 35-year-old is on the market, as he has been left out for the last couple of games while he “considers his future.”

Until now it had been believed Evra was trying to decide on the Valencia offer or wait for his old club Manchester United to step forward with a firm proposal.

Instead, Sky Sport Italia and Mediaset Premium now claim Evra is on the verge of agreeing a transfer to Crystal Palace.

A move could be completed by the end of the week, as Evra’s contract with Juventus is due to expire at the end of the season.

Juve are eager to send Evra towards the exit so they can swoop early for Schalke 04 talent Sead Kolasinac.

Socrates · January 13, 2017

Crystal Palace 'close' to signing Patrice Evra

http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/man-utd/transfer-talk/

news/palace-close-to-signing-patrice-evra_289342.html

Jan 13, 2017

Crystal Palace are said to be "close" to agreeing a deal to sign former Manchester United left-back Patrice Evra from Juventus.

The 35-year-old has been linked with a number of clubs this window, having made just six appearances for the Serie A leaders this season.

According to Sky Italia, Palace have held "fruitful" talks with Juve over taking the Frenchman on a permanent deal and Evra himself has also sanctioned a return to the Premier League two-and-a-half years after he departed Old Trafford.

Eagles manager Sam Allardyce has made sorting out his defence his top priority this month after his side conceded 37 goals in the first 20 games of the season and kept just one clean sheet.

Evra made 379 appearances in all competitions during his eight-and-a-half seasons with the Red Devils, winning five Premier League titles, the Champions League and three League Cups.

Socrates · January 14, 2017

Valencia target Evra in talks with Crystal Palace

The former Manchester United left-back is closing in on a transfer to

Selhurst Park as Sam Allardyce reshapes his inherited Eagles side.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2017/01/13/31471962/-

Jan 13, 2017

Juventus full-back Patrice Evra is currently in negotiations with Crystal Palace in regards to a January transfer, Goal understands.

The former Manchester United defender has also received a proposal from La Liga outfit Valencia but would prefer a Premier League return, putting Sam Allardyce's Eagles in front of the chasing pack.

Evra's agent is currently in London to try to reach an agreement with Palace - who are currently 17th in the Premier League table, one point above the bottom three - as a switch to Selhurst Park edges closer.

The Frenchman spent nine seasons at Old Trafford having arrived from Monaco, and helped the Red Devils to five Premier League titles, five Community Shields, three League Cups, and a Champions League trophy.

Evra has made just three starts for the Serie A champions this season, however, and a January exit has been mooted for some time.

Should the 35-year-old leave Turin, Juventus will enquire about the possibility of SeadKolasinac of Schalke, who has impressed Juve chiefs in his 11 Bundesliga appearances this term.

Socrates · January 14, 2017

Evra takes Crystal Palace pay cut

http://www.football-italia.net/96837/evra-takes-crystal-palace-pay-cut

Jan 14, 2017

Patrice Evra is reportedly hesitant about joining Crystal Palace, as they have offered lower wages than he currently earns at Juventus.

The 35-year-old full-back is only under contract with Juve until the end of the season, but has been left out of the squad for the last few games while he considers his future.

Valencia or even a return to his old club Manchester United had been on the cards, until on Thursday night multiple Italian reports suggested Crystal Palace were in advanced talks.

According to Sky Sport Italia, Evra is not entirely convinced by the proposal on offer.

While his wages would be lower than his current Juventus salary, Palace are prepared to give him an 18-month contract rather than six months.

Socrates · January 15, 2017

Patrice Evra remains undecided on Juventus future

http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/juventus/transfer-talk/

news/evra-remains-undecided-on-juventus-future_289449.html

Jan 14, 2017

Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri has revealed that full-back Patrice Evra is still yet to decide his future beyond the end of this month, amid talk that he is close to a Premier League return.

Speculation first emerged last month linking the former Manchester United defender with a surprise switch to Old Trafford, as he enters the final five months of his contract.

Evra was recently left out of the Juventus squad while the uncertainty over his future rumbles on, but boss Allegri has no problem with the 35-year-old taking his time to make a decision after once again omitting him for the trip to Fiorentina on Sunday.

"Evra, besides being a great professional, is a great person," he is quoted as saying by FourFourTwo. "We talked quietly together, he is considering what to do, and this situation creates absolutely no problem or any disturbance."

Crystal Palace are the current favourites to sign Evra, who made a total of 379 appearances in all competitions during his eight-and-a-half seasons with Man United.

Socrates · January 17, 2017

Evra to Palace back on?

http://www.football-italia.net/96971/evra-palace-back

Jan 16, 2017

Patrice Evra’s proposed move to Crystal Palace is reportedly back on after a change of heart by the Juventus left-back.

Evra was seemingly on his way to Palace last week, but ESPN notes the veteran had doubts about joining the Premier League strugglers.

However, the broadcaster now claims the 35-year-old is happy to make the switch for a fee of around €2m.

Palace boss Sam Allardyce has made no secret of his desire to bolster his squad this month, while Valencia were also said to be in the running for Evra.

Socrates · January 17, 2017

Evra decision ‘in 10 days’

http://www.football-italia.net/96974/evra-decision-‘-10-days’

Jan 16, 2017

Patrice Evra will make a decision on his future “in the next week to 10 days”, according to the Juventus defender’s agent.

Reports on Monday claimed that Evra had given the green light to his proposed move to Crystal Palace, but Federico Pastorello insisted such talk was premature as his client could yet stay at Juve.

“The situation is very simple: Patrice is talking to the club and there’s no conflict with the Coach or club,” he told Tuttomercatoweb.

“It’s a moral issue rather than a technical one. If he stays in Italy, it’s at Juve.

“He’s always had an unconditional love for the Premier League and the idea of returning to England inspires him.

“In the next week to 10 days, he’ll decide.”

Socrates · January 21, 2017

L'Equipe: Lyon want Evra

http://www.football-italia.net/97193/lequipe-lyon-want-evra

Jan 21, 2017

Olympique Lyonnais are interested in signing Patrice Evra from Juventus during the January transfer window, claims L’Equipe.

Saturday’s edition of the French newspaper has as its front page story the plan to bring Evra back to Ligue 1.

The 35-year-old France international is out of contract with Juve at the end of the season and has not featured for several games while he considers his future.

Evra does not seem impressed with offers from Crystal Palace and China, so is prepared to stay in Turin for the rest of the current campaign.

A call from Lyon would probably sway the left-back.

He left Paris Saint-Germain’s youth academy in 1998 for spells at Marsala, Monza, OGC Nice, Monaco and Manchester United.

Evra joined Juventus in July 2014.

Socrates · January 21, 2017

Evra bait for Tolisso or Kolasinac

http://www.football-italia.net/97206/evra-bait-tolisso-or-kolasinac

Jan 21, 2017

Juventus hope to use Patrice Evra as a bargaining chip for Lyon’s Corentin Tolisso or Sead Kolasinac of Schalke 04.

The 35-year-old left-back has been dropped for the last few weeks while he considers his future, as the contract in Turin is due to expire at the end of the season.

He is unimpressed by offers from Crystal Palace and Valencia, so could remain at Juve for another six months, but there are other options.

According to L’Equipe, Olympique Lyonnais are interested in Evra and Juventus hope to use him as a bargaining chip for midfielder Tolisso.

This isn’t the only possibility, as La Gazzetta dello Sport claim Schalke 04 would take Evra in part-exchange for Kolasinac.

It’s the move that would suit Juve the most, as Kolasinac has been chosen as Evra’s replacement and he’ll be out of contract at the end of the season.

The Bianconeri are eager to get the Bosnia international in now and swapping the players around would be an ideal solution.

Socrates · January 23, 2017

Lyon boss Bruno Genesio open to deal

for Juventus left-back Patrice Evra

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/story/3044616/lyon-boss-bruno-

genesio-open-to-deal-for-juventus-left-back-patrice-evra

Jan 23, 2017

Lyon coach Bruno Genesio has said he would be happy to add Juventus veteran Patrice Evra to a squad already bolstered by Memphis Depay this January.

Premier League side Crystal Palace are reportedly among the suitors for Evra, whom Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri confirmed on Saturday was "in the throes of leaving" after struggling for playing time this season.

Though he started all six of Juve's Champions League group-stage matches, the 35-year-old France international full-back has made just three Serie A starts for the Bianconeri this term.

French media are reporting the former Monaco and Manchester United man could make the switch to OL in the current transfer window.

Genesio told reporters after his side's 3-1 win over Marseille on Sunday: "I still haven't talked about this matter with my president -- I'm just hearing about it like you.

"Patrice Evra is a great player, he's won a lot of trophies, has a lot of experience. He's a player that could interest us, of course."

Should Evra join the seven-time Ligue 1 champions, he would be Lyon's second high-profile signing this month following Depay's arrival on Friday.

Socrates · January 23, 2017

Lyon 'open to Evra move'

http://www.football-italia.net/97299/lyon-open-evra-move

Jan 23, 2017

Olympique Lyonnais Coach Bruno Genesio has admitted that his side ‘could be interested’ in Patrice Evra.

Rumours were first published on the front page of L’Equipe last week, and Genesio was asked about the story after the game with Marseille on Sunday.

The Bianconeri have played against the Ligue 1 side on two occasions this season, as they were drawn in the same group of the Champions League, and have also been linked with midfielder Corentin Tolisso.

"Evra? He’s great player with a lot of experience and that could interest us, but I have not yet spoken with the President [Jean-Michel] Aulas," Genesio told reporters after the match.

Evra is out of contract with Juve this summer, but after having been given time off to consider his future has not completely ruled out a move in January.

Socrates · January 25, 2017

Marseille join Evra chase

http://www.football-italia.net/97349/marseille-join-evra-chase

Jan 24, 2017

Marseille have joined Valencia, Crystal Palace and Lyon in the race for Juventus full-back Patrice Evra, according to reports.

The defender has been linked with a move away from Turin this January, as he’s lost his place in the team to Alex Sandro.

Lyon Coach Bruno Genesio admitted yesterday that they were interested, and it appears that Evra may have another Ligue 1 option.

Gianluca Di Marzio’s website reports that Marseille are keen to bring the veteran to Stade Velodrome, and have made contact with Juve.

For his part, it’s thought Evra would accept the move to l’OM.

In addition, Tuttomercatoweb is reporting that the 35-year-old has been given a deadline of tomorrow to inform the Bianconeri of his decision to stay or go.

Socrates · January 25, 2017

Report: Evra chooses Marseille

http://www.football-italia.net/97364/report-evra-chooses-marseille

Jan 24, 2017

It’s reported Patrice Evra is very close to agreeing a transfer from Juventus to Olympique Marseille.

The France international has been considering his options for several weeks now, including Valencia, Olympique Lyonnais and Crystal Palace.

Rumours of Marseille interest emerged from Sky Sport Italia today.

This evening Tuttomercatoweb took it further, suggesting Evra is very close to giving the all-clear for this move.

The 35-year-old is due to be out of contract with Juventus at the end of the current campaign.

Sky Sport Italia claim his agent will be in Marseille tomorrow to discuss bonuses on an 18-month contract.

Socrates · January 25, 2017

Report: Evra to Marseille is done

http://www.football-italia.net/97409/report-evra-marseille-done

Jan 25, 2017

Juventus left-back Patrice Evra is down to the details with Olympique Marseille, claim Sky Sport Italia.

His agent is in France today for negotiations with the Ligue 1 club and the latest reports this evening claim a deal is essentially done.

He is due to undergo a medical tomorrow, although there are even reports in France the medical will be tonight.

The only remaining issues are minor ones over bonuses, but the 18-month contract is a done deal.

Evra had been linked with Valencia, Crystal Palace, Olympique Lyonnais and a return to Manchester United.

He will work with former Roma Coach Rudi Garcia in Marseille.

Evra will be 36 in May and his contract with Juventus was due to expire in June.

He has 81 senior caps for France, but has not played in Ligue 1 since leaving Monaco in January 2006.

Socrates · January 26, 2017

Official: Evra joins Olympique Marseille

http://www.football-italia.net/97426/official-evra-joins-olympique-marseille

Jan 25, 2017

Olympique Marseille have officially signed Patrice Evra from Juventus on an 18-month contract.

The France international flew out this evening to complete a medical.

The Ligue 1 club announced the move tonight.

Evra will hold a Press conference with President Jacques-Henri Eyraud and director of sport Andoni Zubizarreta on Thursday evening.

The left-back had been linked with Valencia, Crystal Palace, Olympique Lyonnais and a return to Manchester United.

He will work with former Roma Coach Rudi Garcia in Marseille.

Evra will be 36 in May and his contract with Juventus was due to expire in June.

He has 81 senior caps for France, but has not played in Ligue 1 since leaving Monaco in January 2006.

Socrates · January 26, 2017

OFFICIAL: Evra leaves Juventus for Marseille

The veteran ex-Manchester United defender has left Turin for his home

nation after a two-and-a-half-year spell with the Serie A champions.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/8/main/2017/01/25/31958922/-

Jan 25, 2017

Marseille have completed the signing of Patrice Evra from Juventus, the Ligue 1 club have confirmed.

The 35-year-old has agreed an 18-month contract at the Stade Velodrome, with Marseille not disclosing the fee.

Evra had been linked with former club Manchester United as well as Valencia and Crystal Palace in recent weeks, but has opted to return to the French top flight.

The left-back started his professional career at Italian minnows Marsala after coming through the ranks at Paris Saint-Germain and also had spells with Monza, Nice, Monaco and United before eventually joining Juventus in 2014.

He won two Serie A titles with the Turin giants, but had set his sights on a move elsewhere after losing his starting berth this campaign.

Marseille have already secured the services of Morgan Sanson from Montpellier this month and remain hopeful of luring Dimitri Payet back from West Ham.

Socrates · January 26, 2017

OFFICIALLY OFFICIAL: Patrice Evra leaves

Juventus, signs with Olympique Marseille

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2017/1/25/14391298/official-patrice

-evra-juventus-olympique-marseille-2017-serie-a-january-transfers

Jan 25, 2017

Turns out the last club to be thrown out there as a possible destination for Patrice Evra turned out to be where Mr. I Love This Game is going to be playing his ball next.

The 35-year-old Evra is a Juventus player no more after his move to Olympique Marseille was announced by the French club on Wednesday night, a few mere minutes after the final whistle sounded at Juve’s Coppa Italia quarterfinal victory over Milan. Evra, who had not been called up for the last handful of Juventus games while he figured out his future plans, was going to be out of contract this summer.

Other than Evra signing an 18-month contract that will see him play with Marseille until the end of the 2017-18 season and there being an introductory press conference on Thursday, there were no details of the deal announced.

He must still love this game. He’ll just be doing so in his native land and probably speaking a lot more French than he did during his time in Turin.

Evra — who arrived at Juventus on a free transfer from Manchester United in the summer of 2014 — reportedly flew out earlier in the day on Wednesday to complete his move back to his homeland. Before that, Evra had been linked to a handful of clubs as he decided his future. There was talk of Valencia in Spain, Crystal Palace possibly a return to Manchester United in England and Lyon and even his former club Monaco.

No matter what, though, ‘Uncle Pat’ brought his wealth of European experience to Italy and was largely successful along the way. He wasn’t great during his final half-season with Juventus, but he provided quite a solid bridge from the Antonio Conte days of using Kwadwo Asamoah as a left wingback and Alex Sandro taking over the full-time starting role as a left back. So thank you for that, Pat. And thank you for loving this game.

Socrates · January 26, 2017

PATRICE EVRA TO MARSEILLE: LATEST TRANSFER

DETAILS, COMMENTS AND REACTION

h ttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2686835-patrice-evra-to

-marseille-latest-transfer-details-comments-and-reaction

Jan 25, 2017

Olympique de Marseille announced the signing of Patrice Evra from Juventus on Wednesday:

Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio wished his former team-mate well:

According to Goal's Stefan Coerts, Evra's contract with the French club will run for 18 months, but Marseille declined to reveal his transfer fee.

The 35-year-old won Serie A titles in both of his full seasons with the Old Lady but was limited to just three starts in the Italian top flight in the first half of the 2016-17 season, per WhoScored.com. He did, however, appear in all six of Juventus' UEFA Champions League group-stage fixtures.

He remains an effective full-back with vast amounts of experience, and he should be an asset for Marseille as they attempt to climb from seventh in the Ligue 1 table in the second half of the campaign.

A Champions League winner and five-time Premier League champion at Manchester United, Evra made 379 appearances for the Red Devils between 2006 and 2014.

He has lost some of the pace that once made him a devastating attacking force down the flank as well as a rock-solid defender, but his leadership skills and experience mean he remains a top-quality player.

Evra is edging toward the end of his career, and his dwindling playing time at Juve wasn't a surprise considering the depth and quality in manager Massimiliano Allegri's squad.

However, the former France international still has a lot to offer, and he could prove to be a key player both on the pitch and in the dressing room for Marseille boss Rudi Garcia.

Socrates · January 26, 2017

Thanks, Uncle Pat

As Patrice Evra’s time in Turin is over, Adam Digby reminds

Juventus supporters they owe him a huge debt of gratitude.

h ttp://www.football-italia.net/97434/thanks-uncle-pat

Jan 25, 2017

If ever proof was needed that the march of time is a relentless and unforgiving one, three memories of Patrice Evra’s time at Juventus serve to highlight it perfectly. A little over 18 months apart, they show how the former Manchester United full-back – who has completed his transfer to Olympique Marseille – went from a vitally important player to an ageing liability who no longer has a place in the side.

The first came in June 2015, at an open training session in the days leading up to the Champions League Final. With the Turin sun beating down on Juventus Stadium, various groups of players emerged from the shade of the dressing room to be put through their paces by Max Allegri and the club’s fitness coaches.

First came the Italian core of Andrea Barzagli, Claudio Marchisio and Leonardo Bonucci, with a number of other players tagging along. Stephan Lichtsteiner pushed them to run harder, while a South American contingent including Arturo Vidal and Roberto Pereyra soon joined them, laughter and some good-natured ribbing filling the air as these small cliques lapped the field.

Finally, the senators emerged, clustered together and looking much more serious than the others. Captain Gigi Buffon led the way, but it was no surprise that this focused and determined bunch contained the only players who had won the Champions League before pulling on the Bianconeri shirt. Carlos Tevez, Andrea Pirlo and Evra walked with purpose, their experience, leadership and calming influence essential if the Old Lady was to somehow overcome Barcelona.

Ultimately they would fall short, yet it was largely thanks to that bunch of veteran stars that not only had Juve reached the UEFA showpiece event, but had also won a League and Cup double for the first time in two decades. Tevez and Pirlo moved on shortly afterwards, but Buffon and Evra were each vital in holding a new-look side together as 2015-16 got underway, their words after a Week 10 loss to Sassuolo finally seeing results turn in their favour and eventually La Madama once again clinched both domestic trophies.

“We must respect this shirt!” was the message from Evra as the Neroverdi clinched a 1-0 win, and – along with some harsh criticism from Buffon – Juventus went through the rest of the season undefeated. It was a remarkable resurgence, but one that would not have been possible without the input from the left-footed star. Over the course of the campaign, he also had a profound impact upon Alex Sandro, teaching the Brazilian the nuances of his role and how to best infuse his skills within Allegri’s system.

Evra had of course helped to usher in a tactical revolution under the Coach, filling a position previously occupied by the likes of Federico Peluso or Simone Padoin. His specialist skill-set allowed Allegri to alternate between a three-man defence and a more orthodox back four, but Alex Sandro unquestionably surpassed him in recent months.

The former Porto flyer emerged as one of the best left-backs in the world and started almost every game while his mentor looked on from the sidelines and grew uncomfortable with life as a reserve. Now rarely called upon, it was an injury to Alex Sandro that forced Evra into the line-up for December’s Supercoppa Italiana, where the third and perhaps final memory of the 35-year-old was delivered.

As the match at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Qatar unfolded, his rapid decline was laid bare by former Liverpool winger Suso. Almost every Milan attack flowed through the Spanish youngster, his combination of speed and trickery too much for Evra, who was left chasing shadows. It may have taken a penalty shootout for the Rossoneri to lift the trophy, but the Frenchman’s shortcomings were obvious, perhaps contributing to Allegri’s angry outburst at the final whistle.

No longer first choice, no longer able to keep up with pacey wingers and no longer needed at Juventus, it has been a stunning fall from grace.

But what Evra brought to Juventus should not be forgotten. He was the left-back who helped improve Juve’s chances in Europe, he was the wise old head who offered guidance to the club’s young players, and he was the voice of experience in a dressing room that lost its way last term.

Thank you, Uncle Pat, and good luck.

Socrates · January 27, 2017

Juventus's awesome tribute to ‘Uncle Pat’

Evra after he leaves for Marseille

The 35-year-old's return to Ligue 1 was confirmed on Wednesday, with

the Italian champions thanking him for his two-and-a-half years of service.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/683/main/2017/01/26/31971392/-

Jan 26, 2017

Juventus have released a touching tribute to the club's departing full-back Patrice Evra following the Frenchman's transfer to Marseille.

Former Manchester United defender Evra was heavily linked with a return to the Premier League with Crystal Palace before the Ligue 1 side confirmed the signing.

Evra won five Premier League titles with the Red Devils, as well as three League Cups and a Champions League, before beginning his successful two-and-a-half-year stint at Juventus.

The Frenchman helped the Turin side to consecutive Serie A championships and Coppa Italia triumphs, but had fallen down the pecking order at the club, making just three starts this season.

Evra has since signed an 18-month contract with Marseille, confirmed by Juventus on Thursday, alongside a touching tribute to the 35-year-old.

"Juventus Football Club can today confirm the departure of Patrice Evra, the French full-back joining Olympique Marseille after two-and-a-half years of magnificent service in Turin," the statement starts.

"Evra arrived at Juventus in the summer of 2014 with the strongest of title-winning track records from his previous eight and a half seasons at Manchester United and he leaves Turin with an even more impressive CV, having played his part in two Scudetto triumphs, two Coppa Italia crowns and last year’s Italian Super Cup victory.

"Signed for his big-match experience, the 35-year-old has been an ever-present in the Bianconeri’s Champions League line-ups over the last two and a half years, making 22 appearances for Juve in Europe’s premier club competition and playing the entirety of his side’s breath-taking run in the 2014/15 knockout stages, except for injury time in the final against Barcelona."

During his time in Italy, Evra established himself as one of the most popular individuals in the Juventus squad and was affectionately nicknamed 'Uncle Pat'.

Juventus continued their tribute to the full-back by emphasising his importance around the squad.

The statement continued: "It was not merely on the pitch that Evra made his mark for the Bianconeri, but undoubtedly in the dressing room too, his bubbly, larger than life personality rubbing off positively on his peers, whilst he also showed genuine leadership qualities and a more serious side when the time was right.

"With Uncle Pat around, as he is affectionately known, there’s been no lack of light-hearted humour, his jokes and authentic imitations of team-mates in the J|Challenge bringing smiles to the faces of supporters and everyone associated with the club.

"Evra would be the first to admit, however, that comedy should never come at the cost of victory. Indeed, our number 33 departs Juventus with his status as natural-born winner even further enhanced.

"Merci, Patrice."

Socrates · January 27, 2017

Juventus thank 'larger than life'

Patrice Evra following Marseille transfer

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/italian-serie-a/story/3046661/juventus-

thank-larger-than-life-patrice-evra-following-marseille-transfer

Jan 26, 2017

Juventus have thanked Patrice Evra for his two-and-a-half years of service, following his move to Marseille.

Evra joined Juventus from Manchester United in 2014 and won two Serie A and Coppa Italia doubles in his two full seasons with the Bianconeri.

However, the 35-year-old France international has not been a regular in Massimiliano's Allegri's side this season, leading to his exit.

But the club were quick to highlight his work in Turin, with a statement on their official website detailing his influence on their success off the pitch as well as on it.

"It was not merely on the pitch that Evra made his mark for the Bianconeri, but undoubtedly in the dressing room too, his bubbly, larger than life personality rubbing off positively on his peers, whilst he also showed genuine leadership qualities and a more serious side when the time was right," the statement read.

"It comes as no coincidence that it was Patrice, alongside captain Gianluigi Buffon, who led the rallying cries to the rest of the team after full-time of last season's chastening away defeat to Sassuolo -- a result which would immediately trigger the champions' unstoppable surge to a history-making fifth successive Scudetto title.

"With Uncle Pat around, as he is affectionately known, there's been no lack of light-hearted humour, his jokes and authentic imitations of team-mates in the J|Challenge bringing smiles to the faces of supporters and everyone associated with the club.

"Evra would be the first to admit, however, that comedy should never come at the cost of victory. Indeed, our number 33 departs Juventus with his status as natural-born winner even further enhanced.

"Merci, Patrice."

In addition, Claudio Marchisio, Sami Khedira and Medhi Benatia tweeted fond messages thanking Evra.

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