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UTD Podcast: Evra to Real Madrid?

Transcript

Watch as Patrice opens up on the transfer negotiations that took him to the brink of leaving United for Real Madrid...

Transcript

“In 2010, Real Madrid came with a massive offer,” explained the United legend. “I was [coming to the] end of my contract with United, and the boss said: ‘Patrice, you know, you can do whatever you want, but you won’t leave.' I said, ‘Okay, speak with my agent, make the deal and I may stay’.”
 
“And I remember after the World Cup in 2010, Manchester United was in pre-season in Chicago and I called the boss and I said, 'Boss, I will sign for Madrid'. And he was like, 'No, before that, come to see me. But I am in Chicago, Patrice – I don't think you will come.' 

“I remember, I took a plane straight away, I went to Chicago,” Evra continues. “The boss was so shocked to see me and he saw how serious I was. He told me to come back to him in a week in Manchester and he would give me a final answer, but said: 'Trust me, I am on your side. I will help you, no matter what you need.' 
 
“I said: ‘Boss, the only thing I need is you to let me go. Anyway, I’m at the end of my contract so you will have to let me go.' And he was like, 'Okay, don't worry, have a nice weekend. I give you even an extra week of holiday.' 
 
“So I went to Carrington, and I say, 'Where is the boss?' Everyone said, no, the boss is not in today. So I was like: wow, he told me to come today and he's not in. 

“The next day I was so angry, so I knocked the door of his office. I told him I was waiting for him yesterday. He said: 'Patrice, I'm really sorry. I'm trying to look everywhere [for] another left-back, but I can't find a left-back like you.' 
 
“I was like, ‘Of course, you're going to find a different one – no one is like me, because I'm unique! And another one is unique, you know?' And he was like, 'Shake my hand, Patrice, trust me. You have to sign another four years.' I was like: 'Wow, boss, you know I've already told my wife we are leaving.' He was like, 'Shake my hand, you sign another four years.' 
 
“I shake his hand, another four years, but when he shakes my hand, he says, 'Patrice, I'm really sorry, but I will give the armband to Nemanja Vidic, because you wanted to leave – even if I know inside you didn't want to leave United – but you tried, and because of that I don't know if you're still loyal for the club, so I will give the armband to Nemanja Vidic.”