Patrice Evra has more than his 2004 Champions League final
defeat to avenge in Moscow on Wednesday – the French full-back says he
is determined to help win the trophy for Sir Alex Ferguson.
Evra
says a manager of Sir Alex’s calibre deserves more European Cup
successes to his name, and he’ll be doing all he can to change that
record.
“When I lost the final with Monaco, every day it was on
my mind. This is why I said when I signed for United that I want to
play in a Champions League final and win to erase the memory of the
final with Monaco.
“For me, it’s my second final and I need to
win this game. It’s important to win this game for Manchester United,
too, because it’s a long time ago since this club’s last success in
1999.
“For Sir Alex Ferguson it’s just his second Champions
League final, but I think for a manager of his quality, he deserves to
win the trophy more than once. I hope everyone can deliver this trophy
for him out of respect of everything he has done for Manchester United.
It’s very important for the manager.”
Evra says playing against
Chelsea won’t change United’s approach to the game or make victory any
sweeter. “I want to be a European champion,but not because it’s Chelsea,” he added. “Our opponents could be any team
and I would still just want to win it because it’s the Champions League.
“We
don’t need to think too much about Chelsea. We just need to think about
United and play the football we always do. We will play well if we
stick to our game.
“The team that wins will be the team that
plays with a fighting spirit. I think my team has the most character in
England, and I hope we show to everybody that we have more character
than Chelsea.”
With the world’s eyes watching, Evra wants United
and Chelsea to show that the Premier League is currently stronger than
any other league.
“When I came here, people told me that
English football is to just kick the ball far up the field. Now I just
laugh, because the football in England is the best in the world,” he
said.
“When you see the fans, the intensity of the games and
the quality of football, I’m thankful I am playing here. I hope both
teams show just how good the English game is.”
LOL.. sign the contract and do it for alex! lol