Patrice Evra will miss the Europa League final to attend the funeral of his sister, who died after a 20-year battle with cancer.
The Manchester United legend, who is one of 24 siblings, revealed the devastating news via X.
“Hi guys, I was supposed to come to Bilbao tomorrow for the final in person to show you support and share my positive energy,” Evra said.
“But unfortunately I have to go to Paris for the funeral of my sister the same day of the final.
“She was 56, fighting against cancer for 20 years. Resilience, fighting.”
Evra then issued a passionate rallying cry to United’s players to use those same qualities of resilience and fighting against Tottenham on Wednesday.
“That’s what I want from you guys tomorrow. Just fight,” Evra said.
“Bleed for this shirt. For the fan, for the staff, for the people in Manchester. For the fans all around the world. There’s no excuse. This is your duty tomorrow.”
The former United skipper also expressed his admiration for Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim and reminded the players Tottenham ‘have a lot to lose’ on Wednesday in Bilbao.
The north London outfit go into the Europa League final hoping to end a trophy drought that stretches back 17 years.
But Evra believes Tottenham’s desire for silverware ‘is no excuse’ for the Red Devils to turn into shrinking violets.
“We are Man United,” Evra said.
@Evra – XThe 43-year-old implored United’s players to ‘bleed for this shirt’[/caption]
“Do you know how many fans are going to travel from around the world and believe they know they’re going to celebrate after the game, because they believe in you, no matter what?
“Because we can do it, we can do it, guys.
“Like I said, bleed for this shirt. Think about your family. There’s no way other than to win. Don’t be selfish.
“It’s a qualification in the Champions League. We prepare the future for next year.
“So guys, I will be far away. I’m counting on you. Come on United, let’s do this!”
United have not beaten Spurs since October 2022, losing four times and drawing twice in that period.
GettyUnited are aiming to be Europa League champs for the first time since 2017[/caption]
However, Amorim’s side are the only team to remain unbeaten in European football this season and will look to maintain the streak in Bilbao.
As for Evra, he was involved in the last United squad to win the Champions League, which they did via penalty shootout against Chelsea in the 2007/08 campaign.
The Frenchman collected an impressive ten major trophies during his eight-year stint at Old Trafford, including five Premier League titles.
A marauding left-back in his prime, Evra is hoping to be a winner in another sport entirely as he prepares to make his MMA debut on May 23 in Paris.
The 43-year-old began his combat sports training in 2016, honing his skillset alongside PFL superstar Cedric Doumble.
Patrice Evra’s honours with Manchester United
Premier League: 2006/07, 2007/08, 2008/09, 2010/11, 2012/13
League Cup: 2005/06, 2008/09, 2009/10
Champions League: 2007/08
Club World Cup: 2008
