Van Gaal wanted Me as Manchester United Captain- Evra
Opeyemi Oladunjoye
Patrice Evra has revealed that neither Robin van Persie nor Wayne Rooney would have been appointed Manchester United captain under Louis van Gaal had he stayed at the club, as the new manager wanted him to lead the team.
Evra agreed to join Italian league champions, Juventus for an undisclosed fee, thought to be around the £3m mark, despite persuasion from Van Gaal to make him stay.
The French player agreed a two-year deal with the Old Lady, leaving United after eight years with the club, having made 379 appearances. He confirmed that Van Gaal tried his best to keep him at Old Trafford but was unable to change his mind.
“Manchester United wanted to keep me and they also wanted to give me the captain’s band,” Evra said.“Van Gaal was disappointed to see me go away, but I had already made a choice. It was really difficult to leave Man United, but I did it. I made my choice and I am really happy with my choice.”
The left back also admitted his surprise at former manager Antonio Conte’s immediate departure, but went on to stress that he is happy to be a part of Juventus even though the manager who signed him was no longer leading the club.
“I was really surprised when Antono Conte left,” Evra added. “I was wondering why a coach who strongly wanted me would have left but in the end everyone is the owner of his own destiny. I am not angry with Conte but I am happy that I am with Juventus – a great club with a great history.”
