Patrice Evra makes dramatic career change as Man Utd icon calls out Luis Suarez

Former defender Patrice Evra is gearing up for an astonishing shift in his sporting career as he prepares to enter the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) next month. The ex- star, who hung up his boots in 2019, has inked a deal with the Professional Fighters League, also known as PFL.

During his time at from 2006 to 2014, Evra clinched five Premier League titles and lifted one Champions League. He also notched up 81 appearances for France. Evra embarked on his combat training journey back in 2016, training relentlessly alongside close companion and PFL champion, Cedric Doumbe.

With his MMA debut camp already in full swing, Evra's first opponent has yet to be announced.

His entry into the PFL SmartCage will take place at PFL Europe Paris on Friday, May 23, hosted within the iconic Accor Arena.

The football icon is trading the pitch for the octagon and expressed immense enthusiasm about his upcoming fight.

An official press statement quoted him: "You guys should know by now, I love this game too!"

"I've performed on the world's biggest stages, won every major trophy in football, but PFL Europe Paris will be an incredibly special night for me.

"I've been training alongside the best in the world for years, and they'll also tell you I'm ready for this. I'm going to put on a show at the Accor Arena on 23 May, so come watch the spectacle."

Evra couldn't let the opportunity pass to take a jab at his old rival, former Liverpool forward Luis Suarez.

Hot on the heels of the bombshell that the ex-footballer has inked a deal with the PFL, Evra issued a challenge on X.

He wrote: "BREAKING: I'm officially training for my first fight with @PFLEurope. They will pick my opponent... They asked who I wanna face. I said: Luis Suarez. I'll pay out of pocket. He can even bite me."

Now 43, Evra has reignited the flames of a long-standing enmity stemming from an incident when he was racially abused by the Uruguayan in a heated Premier League match back in October 2011.

The path to the ring has been a winding one for the Frenchman, whose enthusiasm for combat sports is no secret.

Back in 2022, there was speculation he'd make his boxing debut, locking horns with internet sensation Adam Saleh.

The bout was scheduled as an undercard spectacle to Martyn Ford's heavyweight showdown with 'Iranian Hulk' Sajad Gharibi.

When the headline event fell through, Boxstar had no option but to call off the occasion entirely. Fast-forwarding three years, Evra is poised to venture into the combative realm.

Reacting to the news, PFL CEO Pete Murray declared: "I'm told he loves this game as much as us, and we'll find out on 23 May!

"We're incredibly excited to have the superstar that is Patrice Evra fight under the PFL banner, as we're all about exciting match-ups and making history.

"I can't tell you how excited Patrice has been putting this together, but I think you're going to see it at the Accor Arena. Paris, we're coming to put on another historic evening of MMA, don't miss out."

PFL Europe Paris will also showcase some of France's finest fighters at the Accor Arena - with Mansour Barnaoui and undefeated Archie Colgan set to face off in a massive lightweight bout, where an impressive showing could pave the way to a title shot.

The event will also feature PFL newcomer Taylor Lapilus - recently transitioning from the UFC - who is slated to take on 2024 PFL MENA Bantamweight Champion Ali Taleb.