Patrice Evra admits Juventus offered a two-year contract, but will continue playing even if he leaves Turin. “The respect they have for me is truly touching.”
Evra grew up in one of the toughest neighbourhoods outside Paris. His contract with Juventus is due to expire in May, when he will be 35 years old. What next?
“If I had not grown up in Les Ulis, maybe I would not have rebounded after some events,” he told L’Equipe.
Patrice Evra admits Juventus offered a two-year contract, but will continue playing even if he leaves Turin. “The respect they have for me is truly touching.”
Evra grew up in one of the toughest neighbourhoods outside Paris. His contract with Juventus is due to expire in May, when he will be 35 years old. What next?
“If I had not grown up in Les Ulis, maybe I would not have rebounded after some events,” he told L’Equipe.
“I became a man sooner than expected and that helped me a lot. I’ve always been hungry for success, I’m still hungry and while I have this hunger, all will be well.
“I just love football… I dread the day I have to end my career. My mother dreads it too. I want so much to win. People say I’m arrogant, but for 10 years I’ve been consistently one of the best left-backs in the world.
“If we win the Scudetto with Juve this season, that’ll be my seventh League title in 10 years. Will I stop my career after Euro 2016? Oh definitely not! While I’ve got the legs, I will continue to run.
“My examples are Javier Zanetti, Ryan Giggs and Paolo Maldini. They played on till almost 40. I still have time.
“I will take this opportunity to say a very big thank you to Juve. The way people took care of me here, the respect they have for me, it is truly touching. They want to continue the adventure with a two-year contract and now the decision depends only on me.
“But this is not the time to discuss that. We have a Serie A title and Coppa Italia trophy to win. When the time is right, we’ll sit down at a table and discuss it. It will take 10 minutes, either a yes or a no.
“What I want is to win. China? I like Asia, but that is not my target for now. I want to sweat, to train, to make sacrifices to win titles again. I wouldn’t be afraid of a return to France. If I go to a place, I will be quietly confident.
“I won’t leave Les Bleus either until my country makes it clear I am no longer needed. As long as I play football, I want to play for France. I don’t know how long I can do that, but I will be honest when the time comes.
“I believe France can win Euro 2016 and just talking about it makes me want to already be there on the pitch. I have so much confidence. All the players respect the Coach, his staff and love everyone there. It’s rare.”