PARIS – Former Manchester United participant Patrice Evra has referred to as out his age-old foe Luis Suarez to combat in a blended martial arts bout subsequent month, 13 years on from an notorious racism row.
The 43-year-old hung up his boots in July 2019, having made 734 senior soccer appearances for membership and nation (France), successful 20 trophies in 21 years. In the meantime, Suarez, a former Liverpool star, remains to be at it within the MLS, enjoying for David Beckham-owned Inter Miami alongside Lionel Messi and Co.
Since his retirement, Evra’s off-the-pitch escapades have included punditry, enterprise ventures, and his emergence as a social media character.
Six years on from soccer, Evra has switched the boots for gloves and debut for the Skilled Fighters League (PFL) at their occasion in Paris on Might 23.
In keeping with the Each day Mail, his opponent is but to be confirmed, regardless of the occasion being lower than a month away.
Evra declared on social media that he needs to combat Suarez, whom he accused of racial abuse again in 2011 throughout a 1-1 draw between Man United and Liverpool.
BREAKING: I’m formally coaching for my first combat with @PFLEurope. They are going to decide my opponent…They requested who I wanna face. I stated:Luis Suárez.
I’ll pay out of pocket.He may even chunk me.
— Patrice Evra (@Evra) April 25, 2025
Suarez was charged with ‘abusive and/or insulting phrases and/or behaviour opposite to FA guidelines’, together with ‘a reference to the ethnic origin and/or color and/or race of Patrice Evra’.
Evra additionally aimed a jibe at Suarez, who’s infamously concerned in three separate biting incidents throughout his profession.
READ ALSO: Pope Francis’s funeral to be held on Saturday; many world leaders anticipated
Evra wrote on X: ‘BREAKING: I’m formally coaching for my first combat with @PFLEurope. They are going to decide my opponent… They requested who I wanna face. I stated: Luis Suarez. I’ll pay out of pocket. He may even chunk me.’
Suarez’s first controversy got here whereas enjoying for Ajax in 2009, when he bit PSV opponent Otman Bakkal.
Whereas enjoying for Liverpool 4 years later, maybe most famously, Suarez bit Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic on the arm.
And, lastly, the final of the Uruguayan’s antics got here when he bit Italy centre again Giorgio Chiellini on the shoulder in 2014.
Evra started his fight coaching in 2016, helped by his buddy and PFL famous person, Cedric Doumbe.
He was beforehand set to debut in one other fight sport towards social media star Adam Saleh in 2022 earlier than the boxing bout was referred to as off by superstar promotion Boxstar.
Evra launched an official assertion confirming his inclusion on PFL’s card. He stated: ‘You guys ought to know by now, I like this sport too!
‘I’ve carried out on the world’s largest levels, gained each main trophy in soccer, however PFL Europe Paris shall be an extremely particular night time for me.
‘I’ve been coaching alongside the very best on the earth for years, they usually’ll additionally inform you I’m prepared for this. I’m going to placed on a present on the Accor Enviornment on 23 Might, so come watch the spectacle.’
PFL CEO Pete Murray shared his newest fighter’s pleasure, including: ‘I’m instructed he loves this sport as a lot as us, and we’ll discover out on 23 Might.
‘We’re extremely excited to have the famous person that’s Patrice Evra combat underneath the PFL banner, as we’re all about thrilling match-ups and making historical past. I can’t inform you how excited Patrice has been placing this collectively, however I believe you’re going to see it on the Accor Enviornment. Paris, we’re coming to placed on one other historic night of MMA, don’t miss out.’
Evra performed 379 video games for United between 2005 and 2014, scoring 10 objectives and successful 14 trophies in that point.
Different notable golf equipment he performed for embody: West Ham, Marseille, Juventus, Monaco and Good.
