Evra ‘was abused as kid’

FORMER France and Manchester United star Patrice Evra has said he was sexually abused as a teenager by a teacher.

Evra, 40, has detailed the alleged incident in his new autobiography and explained why he has never spoken about it until now.

‘When I first did the book, I didn’t tell the whole story because I was still ashamed,’ says Evra.

‘Now I want to say it because I don’t want kids to be in my situation — ashamed of themselves, thinking they are not brave, because it’s not about being brave. It’s about being mentally ready to talk about it.

‘I just want to make sure kids out there have the courage and do not blame themselves because I always blamed myself.

‘I felt like a coward for many years because I never spoke up. It was something heavy in my chest. But I don’t do it now for me, I do it for other children.’

Evra, who grew up in Les Ulis suburb of Paris, said the abuse took place at a teacher’s house, where he was staying.

He added he travelled to Paris two weeks ago to tell his mother about the abuse for the first time and that had been far harder than speaking openly in an interview.

‘Only now when I am 40 years old do I tell her,’ he says. ‘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 said, “Mum, it’s not about me, it’s about other kids.” Then she said it was OK, she understands.’

Evra, who won five Premier League titles with United and captained France at the 2010 World Cup, said he was contacted by police about accusations against the teacher when he was 24, but at the time he denied any abuse had taken place.

‘That’s one of my biggest regrets because I could have helped so many people.’