Manchester United legend Patrice Evra has admitted that he had “goosebumps” after he shook hands with one iconic club figure at Old Trafford.
Sir Alex Ferguson signed Patrice Evra from Monaco in 2006, with the 42-year-old Frenchman arriving in the same window as fellow club legend Nemanja Vidic.
Evra became a fan favourite among Manchester United fans and the former Monaco man enjoyed a prolific spell at Old Trafford under Ferguson.
The United legend made 379 appearances for the Red Devils, with Evra lifting five Premier League titles, a Champions League and three League Cups with the club.
Evra’s spell at United came to an end in 2014 and the former United left-back went on to play for Juventus, Marseille and West Ham before his retirement.
Evra on meeting one United legend
Speaking to The Hindu, Evra was asked about the biggest change he sees in younger footballers today compared to when he played in the sport.
The ex-United defender claimed they have “all become brands, playing for fame or money” instead of playing for the “badge, passion, and most importantly, the fan.”
Patrice Evra recalled meeting Sir Bobby Charlton and how he had “goosebumps” after shaking his hand due to the Manchester United legend’s connection to the club.
“I actually feel bad for them,” he said.
“I know a lot of ex-footballers criticise them, but they struggle to focus with so many distractions.
“They have all become brands, playing for fame or money, instead of playing for the badge, passion, and most importantly, the fan. The fans meant everything to us.
“We also always carried the weight of history on our shoulders, you know? When I shook hands with Sir Bobby Charlton, I got goosebumps as I was aware of his legacy and that of the Busby Babes.
“If we lost a game, we wouldn’t even go out to eat at a restaurant. That’s how much it affected us.”
Evra paid tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton
United and England hero Charlton, who was an ever-present figure at Old Trafford after his legendary career, passed away last October at the age of 86.
His funeral was held at the Manchester Cathedral in November, with the cortege arriving at Old Trafford ahead of time and receiving a spine-tingling reception from United fans.
Charlton’s funeral was attended by former United manager Ferguson and several Red Devils legends, including Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Roy Keane.
Evra was among those who paid tribute to the 1966 World Cup winner on social media after his passing was confirmed.
Posting on Instagram last October, he wrote: “R.I.P., SIR BOBBY, I will always love you, having goosebumps every time we talk.”