FORMER MANCHESTER United and France international Patrice Evra has opened up further about the sexual abuse experience he went through during his teens.
The Frenchman has released a book called "I love this game" detailing the abuse he suffered at the hands of a teacher.
Evra was 13 years of age when it happened and had difficulties telling his mother at the time.
TURIN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 29: Former Juventus, Manchester United and France (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)Patrice Evra experience's on sexual abuse
Evra said: “It was a tough moment for me. I have still to tell a few of my brothers and sisters and close friends.
“I don’t want people to feel pity. It’s a difficult situation. A mother does not expect to hear this from their own child.
“It was a big shock for her. A lot of anger. She said she was sorry. She said: ‘You must not put it in your book, it’s private Patrice,’ but that’s when I say: ‘Mum, it’s not about me, it’s about other kids,’ then she says OK, she understands.”
Speaking on BBC Breakfast this morning, Evra said that his mother was adamant he didn't need to say sorry over what happened and that it wasn’t his fault. He also said that he is grateful that his mother didn’t react as jail time was a real possibility.
“The biggest challenge was telling my mom. When I told her she was devastated. She was crying. I kept saying ‘sorry’, but she said ‘don’t ever say sorry to anyone’.
“She was really angry. She asked if the man was still alive, and wanted to sue him. Maybe it was better I didn’t say it at the time, because maybe she would have killed that man and ended up in jail and I wouldn’t have the same education.”
Patrice Evra, who won a Champions League and five Premier League titles, said that by telling his story he hopes it sheds some light on the child abuse that is still going on around the world.
"I kept saying 'sorry', she said 'don't ever apologise to anyone!'"
Former Manchester United captain Patrice Evra tells #BBCBreakfast about the moment he told his mother that he was abused as a teenager.https://t.co/x38Dkic6Gx pic.twitter.com/CkIeHlUzIW— BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) November 1, 2021
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