Evra: I wish I had played for Senegal

by Staff Reporter

Sunday Sep 18, 2022. 15:00

Patrice Evra has revealed that if he could go back in time, he would choose to represent the country of his birth, Senegal, instead of France.

Evra, 41, was born in Dakar but chose to play for Les Bleus instead of the Teranga Lions. The left-back enjoyed a great international career, representing France in over 80 matches and being part of their squads at the European Championships in 2008, 2012 and 2016, as well as the 2010 and 2014 World Cups.

However, the former Monaco, Manchester United and Juventus player has stated that playing for France as a Senegalese-born had “political” implications.

“If I could go back, I would choose to represent my native country, Senegal,” Evra told Sports Brief, as quoted by Tribal Football.

“When I was young, my parents gave me the chance to choose my national team and because I grew up in France, I chose France.

“But I realised later that choosing my own country became political.

“One of the painful lessons I learned with this pick is that when you play well and win, you are French; when the team loses, you are considered Senegalese.”