Former Manchester United defender Patrice Evra was filled with emotion after returning to Old Trafford to play 90 minutes in Michael Carrick’s testimonial match on Sunday.
Evra joined the Reds from Monaco in 2006 and spent nine hugely successful seasons at the Theatre of Dreams before leaving for Juventus in 2014.
The 36-year-old is now plying his trade in Ligue 1 with French side Marseille, but took time out of his post-season recovery to take part in Carrick’s testimonial match and help a United 2008 side draw 2-2 with an All-Star XI.
The left-back was visibly delighted to be back in a red shirt, saying in his post-match interviews with MUTV and ITV: "It's amazing [to be back]. Thank you to Michael Carrick for inviting us all to his testimonial.
"There's just too much emotion, too much feeling to come back to the dressing room, to see the gaffer, the stadium, the fans, it's just amazing.
"We should say thanks to God to have a happy moment like this. I am really happy and I must thank all the family of Michael Carrick too."Carrick recently signed a one-year extension to his United contract, to keep him at Old Trafford until at least June 2018, and Evra believes the midfielder still has a lot to offer Jose Mourinho’s current squad.
"I think Michael Carrick is still an important player for Manchester United," the Frenchman continued. "I remember this season, whenever he was playing, he was always positive. Age is just a number. I hope he will play many more years.
"He will have to keep playing, like me! I still have 24 brothers and sisters to feed, so I can't stop, I have to run!"
Evra revealed what Sir Alex Ferguson told the United 2008 XI in what could have been his final-ever team talk at Old Trafford.
"The manager told us before the game that this team is full of good men, good personalities. [He told us] I want to say thank you to all of you, but the best thing is you are great human beings and good men and that’s the most important thing."
The defender concluded by declaring his unrivalled love for Manchester United, the club he calls 'home', before giving some advice to the fans.
"I always say, this is my home and I feel that way. Thanks to all the fans they are all amazing.
"For me it’s just a dream. Like I say I love Man United and I will always love Man United. It’s not a fake love.
"We need to be behind Man United always when they win or lose. If you love Man United you should never criticise them, you need to support them. When a player has a bad game, the fans never boo him.
"This year they qualified for the Champions League and some people said they did not play good football, but we are not in the circus," he added.
"If you want to enjoy football then yes 2008 was great, but people have to forget that and concentrate on this current Manchester United team. That would be my message to the United fans."
