A French court has issued a 12-month suspended sentence to former French national team captain Patrice Evra for abandoning his family, according to his lawyer last Saturday.
Evra (43 years old), who played 81 matches for the French national team and had prominent stints with Manchester United, Juventus, and Monaco, has appealed the decision issued by a court in Nanterre, a suburb of Paris.
The former player’s lawyer, Jerome Boursican, stated, “There is a dispute over the facts.”
On the other hand, Natalie Dubois, the lawyer for Evra’s wife Sandra, noted that the player was sentenced to a 12-month suspended sentence and fined 4,000 euros in damages for abandoning his family between May 2021 and September 2023.
Sandra (42 years old) filed a lawsuit against her husband, alleging that he had not paid family alimony since 2020, according to Dubois, who explained that she claimed Evra owed back payments amounting to 969,000 euros (about one million dollars).
Evra is noted for his strong performances and leadership on the field. He started his senior career with Italian club Marsala and later played for Monaco, where his career gained significant momentum. Evra’s time at Manchester United was particularly distinguished, winning multiple Premier League titles and a UEFA Champions League. He later played for Juventus, winning several Serie A titles before ending his playing career at West Ham United.
Evra’s impact extended off the field as well; he was known for his charismatic and vibrant personality, contributing significantly to team morale and public engagement. His post-retirement activities have included coaching and media appearances, where he continues to be a respected figure in the football community.