Patrice Evra did not leave Manchester United on the best of notes and holds Ed Woodward responsible for his acrimonious departure.
For eight glorious years, Patrice Evra was the beating heart of Manchester United. The French defender made 273 Premier League appearances for the Red Devils.
Even in his final year at the Theatre of Dreams, Evra made 45 competitive appearances. By that time he had decided to leave on a Bosman transfer. He had informed Ed Woodward about his decision.
Woodward knew that Evra had an agreement in place with Juventus and decided to cash in on it. He activated a one-year extension in his contract. This was the final straw that broke the camel’s back and made Evra leave Old Trafford.
“I felt betrayed by Ed,” Evra told The Guardian. “I called Juventus to tell them I am coming. Ed then said: ‘We offer you a two-year contract, more money, the captaincy, a testimonial.’ Too late [for Evra to keep his word with Juventus].”
Evra was justified in his decision to join the Old Lady. He made it to the Champions League final, only to lose to Barcelona for the third time.
Despite the acrimonious parting away, the Frenchman still holds United close to his heart and shard he didn’t want to leave.
“My ex-wife said: ‘See? Manchester are nearly in the Championship and you’re in this final.’ I love Juventus but I said: ‘Even if they’re in the Championship, I prefer to be at United. Nothing can replace my love for them,’” he explained.
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