Patrice Évra’s professional football career has come to an end. The former French national outside back (81 caps) decided to hang up his boots after a rich career, which began in Nice (2000-2002) and flourished in Monaco (2002-2006). With the Principality’s club, the player enjoyed an active role in the team’s epic Champions League run (final in 2004).
You either love him or you hate him, but either way, he will undoubtedly be considered one of the best French defenders of the last two decades. Patrice Evra has built an impressive track record punctuated by five French league titles, three Italian league titles, a Champions League and, of course, several big wins with AS Monaco.
OGC Nice, a springboard for Évra
In September 2000, Évra began his career in France under the OGC Nice banner. In Ligue 2, the left midfielder quickly made a reputation for himself and soon converted to defense. Two years later, he was recruited by AS Monaco. With above-average athletic abilities, the player trained alongside the left midfielder Jerome Rothen, and the pair became a reference in France and Europe. The team’s epic Champions League run will remain one of his greatest memories despite a loss in the final (0-3) against Deco and Victor Baia’s FC Porto squad.
In the end, Patrice Évra played 163 games in the red and white jersey before flying to Manchester United, his other home club. A big career for an impulsive but devilishly powerful player.
*Article originally published in the French edition of the Monaco Tribune.