Manchester United’s Patrice Evra: Sir Alex Ferguson persuaded me not to join Inter or Real Madrid last summer

Patrice Evra(Getty Images)

Related Links

Teams

Players

Manchester United defender Patrice Evra has admitted that Sir Alex Ferguson convinced him to turn down a move abroad last summer.

The Frenchman conceded that a personal visit from the veteran manager led to him staying at the club, and feels it was the right decision.

“I had thought about leaving last summer for family reasons but something changed my mind late on,” he told The Sun.

“There were clubs interested like Real Madrid and Inter Milan. But the manager visited me at my home to persuade me to stay.

“I know my heart has made the right decision. When Sir Alex talks, it’s a good idea to listen!”

Evra, who signed a new contract in February that runs until 2014, also admitted that Wayne Rooney’s transfer saga earlier in the season brought the squad together. The England striker put pen to paper on a new deal just days after handing in a request to leave the club.

He added: “Wayne came and said what he had to say. It stays between us but it’s true he apologised. It brought us together even more.

“But who says we didn’t need all of this shake-up to be even more united and go and win this title.

“That’s what he ended up doing so, in the end, thank you, Wayne.”

After celebrating winning the Premier League on Sunday, United’s attention has switched to Saturday’s Champions League final against Barcelona at Wembley.

The match will be final the game of Edwin van der Sar’s long career but Evra admitted he is still trying to talk the Dutchman out of retirement, adding: “Every day when I see Edwin I get worked up – he can’t stop!

“He still has two years left, he is the captain of our defence.

“If we win the Champions League, it would be the best news for Manchester United if he stays here.”