Patrice Evra shared that Luis Suarez might accept his challenge to fight him in MMA, following Evra`s announcement of his debut in the sport.
The 43-year-old Evra recently announced his entry into mixed martial arts, with his first fight scheduled for May 23rd at the Accor Arena during PFL Europe Paris.
The former Manchester United star then used social media to challenge the ex-Liverpool forward, Luis Suarez, to face him in the ring.
Their history traces back to their time in the Premier League, specifically a 2011 match at Anfield where Suarez was found by the FA to have used racist language towards Evra.
According to Evra, Suarez, who currently plays alongside Lionel Messi at Inter Miami, has not dismissed the possibility of settling their past issues in a fight.
Appearing on The Ariel Helwani Show, Evra commented, “I was pretty taken aback.”
“I`m not certain if it`s accurate, as I tend to be cautious, but seemingly, his manager reached out to the PFL, possibly about attending my initial fight.
“I`d be surprised, honestly, since he`s still actively playing football, and MMA is totally different – there`s a risk of injury.
“But perhaps it could happen, maybe not. As I mentioned, it`s something I proposed. If it doesn`t materialise, it`s not a major issue.”
Evra, who ended his football career in 2019 after over 700 matches, elaborated on his desire to face Suarez.
He stated, “When the PFL inquired about my preferred opponent, I named Luis Suárez because we had a conflict from my time as United captain when he was at Liverpool.
“There was racial abuse involved. I`m not labelling him a racist, but specific racist terms were used, and I want this fight to happen.”
He added, “I believe the public desires to witness this match. So my feeling is, `Please take the offer`.
“I`m unsure if it would be my first, second, or third bout, but I truly think the world should see this fight.”
In 2011, Suarez was alleged to have used “insulting words” towards Evra, including remarks related to his skin color.
The forward, now 38, was accused of using an offensive term multiple times over a short period. Evra reported he threatened to “punch” Suarez after asking him to repeat the words.
Suarez, however, maintained he used the term only once and in a culturally acceptable, friendly manner in Uruguay, contrary to Evra`s interpretation.
Following a two-month investigation and a six-day hearing, the FA imposed an eight-game suspension on Suarez.
Following the ban`s announcement, Liverpool players showed solidarity by wearing training shirts featuring Suarez`s name and image during a warm-up.
Although Liverpool chose not to appeal the January 2012 ruling, they continued to assert Suarez`s innocence.
When they next played against each other at Old Trafford in 2012, Suarez declined to shake Evra`s hand before the match, provoking an angry response from the French defender.
After the game concluded and the players were leaving the field, Evra positioned himself in front of Suarez and celebrated demonstratively.
Marcus Bellamy