31 July 2014
Patrice Evra says his move to Juventus was written in the stars and claims the club’s winning culture and glorious history make Turin the ideal place in which to pen the latest chapter of a glittering career
Speaking to the media during this afternoon’s official unveiling, the 33-year-old began: “When I heard Juventus were interested, I immediately knew it was the right choice for me. This club is indicative of a winning culture and the pressure that goes along with it doesn’t faze me. Winning is in my DNA, I’ve succeeded at Manchester United and I want to do the same at all costs with Juventus.”
The defender has fond memories of Italy after beginning his professional career with Marsala and is looking forward to embarking on a brand new adventure following a trophy-laden nine years at Old Trafford.
“First of all, I owe everything to Italy because it’s the country that gave me my first foray into professional football. Some of my best memories are from my time at Marsala. I won everything with Mancester United but Marsala was like a family for me, especially seeing as I joined when I was just 17."
Having affirmed his winning pedigree with five Premier League titles in Manchester, Evra is fully aware of the challenge that lies ahead as Juventus bid to maintain their supremacy at the summit of Serie A.
“I think we’ll have to work hard because it’s certainly not an easy task. I won three consecutive titles at United but achieving four in a row is much tougher and a real challenge.”
Whilst seeking to stay out in front on home soil, Massimiliano Allegri’s men will also be gunning for a strong run in the Champions League, a competition Evra is no stranger to after lifting Europe’s most coveted club prize in 2008.
“It’s a great competition to play in, however it’s difficult to win. A good start is paramount in having a strong run, otherwise you’ll struggle. We won’t start saying that we’ll win it but we’ll give our all in order to have a successful run. I reached the final on four separate occasions and there’s a fine line between winning and losing in such a competition.”
Alongside Evra in the Red Devils’ starting line-up on that victorious night in Moscow was Carlos Tevez, a “warrior” the defender is looking forward to going into battle with once again.
“We're great friends, both on and off the pitch. I was so happy to see him do well when he joined the Bianconeri last year. Carlitos is a true champion who is always hungry for more success.
“As soon as I arrived here, he came up to me and said ‘Patrice, we have to work hard to achieve our targets at Juve’. He’s someone capable of getting the team going in moments when they might be easing up.”
