|
|
Evra On Cantona, Maradona And The Manchester Derby
Partice Evra is in a contemplative mood ahead of Sunday's highly-anticipated Manchester derby...
27-Nov-2008 3:27:20 PM
Partice Evra played his first game for Manchester United in the Mancunian derby against Manchester City after signing from Monaco in 2006.
Now, as he prepares for the weekend clash with his club's bitter rivals, he's recalled his early experience of the grudge match, whilst also reflecting on his career as a whole.
"My greatest achievement is simply to be playing for Manchester United," he told the club's official website, "Everyone wants to play here.
"Before I joined, I came over to watch Eric Cantona. I remember looking round and thinking 'wow, there are 76,000 people here!'
"The only better atmosphere, in fact, is Celtic Park. That was unbelievable.
"When I finally came to United I knew it wouldn't be easy and I couldn't believe how quick the game was.
"I played my first match against Manchester City and that helped me, as I knew how hard I had to work."
He went on to displace Gabriel Heinze, of course, and make the left-back berth his own.
However, Evra has nothing against Argentina. In fact, one Argentine leaves him starstruck.
Asked about his favourite player, he replied: "Pele was a great player, but for me [Diego] Maradona is the best.
"I first met him four years ago at the Monaco Grand Prix and I've always shown the photo of me and him together to people and told the lads I knew him.
"Then, when he came to Carrington recently, he came over and said to me 'How are you, my brother?' I was so pleased he remembered me!"
Greg Ptolomey, Goal.com
Now, as he prepares for the weekend clash with his club's bitter rivals, he's recalled his early experience of the grudge match, whilst also reflecting on his career as a whole.
"My greatest achievement is simply to be playing for Manchester United," he told the club's official website, "Everyone wants to play here.
"Before I joined, I came over to watch Eric Cantona. I remember looking round and thinking 'wow, there are 76,000 people here!'
"The only better atmosphere, in fact, is Celtic Park. That was unbelievable.
"When I finally came to United I knew it wouldn't be easy and I couldn't believe how quick the game was.
"I played my first match against Manchester City and that helped me, as I knew how hard I had to work."
He went on to displace Gabriel Heinze, of course, and make the left-back berth his own.
However, Evra has nothing against Argentina. In fact, one Argentine leaves him starstruck.
Asked about his favourite player, he replied: "Pele was a great player, but for me [Diego] Maradona is the best.
"I first met him four years ago at the Monaco Grand Prix and I've always shown the photo of me and him together to people and told the lads I knew him.
"Then, when he came to Carrington recently, he came over and said to me 'How are you, my brother?' I was so pleased he remembered me!"
Greg Ptolomey, Goal.com
Inside Goal.Com
-
Euro 2012 Group D: Stats to keep at your fingertips
With the final edition of the statistical overview, we take a look at hosts and heavyweights in Group D
-
Blast from the Past - Euro 1976 Final: Czechoslovakia 2(5)-(3)2 West Germany
This edition of Blast from the Past brings a highly eccentric clash between Czechoslovakia and Germany in the Euro 1976 Final.
-
Blast from the Past - Euro 1972 Semi-finals: Belgium 1-2 West Germany
In the latest piece of Blast from the Past, Goal.com takes a look at one of the best matches for the tournament's 1972 edition...
-
Poll: Who will be most missed at Euro 2012?
Several key players from the top teams in the competition will be absent from the Poland and Ukraine, but Goal.com asks whose loss from the tournament will be felt the greatest
-
The list of EPL targets from Euro 2012 Group A
With the transfer rumour mill set to kick into frenzy throughout this month's European Championship, Goal.com looks at which players could be heading for England this summer