Patrice Evra signs for Juventus paving way for Vidal switch

Juventus have announced the signing of left back Patrice Evra, from Manchester United for £1.2m, tying the French international down to a two-year deal. After eight-and-a-half seasons at Old Trafford, where he won five Premier League titles, three League Cups, five Community Shields, one Champions League, and one FIFA club World Cup, the 33-year-old will embark on a fresh challenge in Serie A.

He follows centre back Nemanja Vidic out of the door, who signed for Inter Milan at the end of last term, who are 14/1 to win Serie A with their billionaire owners next term. Both players joined United at the same time and went on to have a huge impact at the club under Sir Alex Ferguson, though will now be competing against each other.

Evra, who signed for the club for £5.5m, was one of the most consistent performers for the Red Devils, and often took the captain’s armband when Vidic was injured, stepping up to the fore impressively, and throughout his United career, made 379 appearances scoring 10 goals.

“After a great deal of thought I have decided the time is right for me to leave Manchester United. It is the biggest decision of my career as this club is, and will always remain, in my heart,” Juventus’ new signing said.

“Joining and playing for Manchester United has been a privilege, a dream come true and my time here has been so memorable.

“This club is steeped in history and I feel privileged to have become a part of that. I would like to thank everyone at the club – team-mates, coaches and in particular all the staff who made every single day in Carrington or at Old Trafford a special day.

In a tribute to his time in Manchester, he continued: “An immense thank you to Sir Alex Ferguson for making it all possible, for giving me the privilege to be a captain, to be inspired by the legend of Manchester United and to understand that nobody is bigger than the club.

“My biggest thanks go to the fans. We have had some fantastic times together, we lifted all of those trophies together and that night in Moscow will live with us all forever. Every single time I stepped out in that shirt I knew I was playing for the badge and for a very special club,” Evra continued.