Evra enjoys the fight
14 Nov 2006 - 13:54:07
Manchester United's French left-back Patrice Evra has admitted that he struggled to adapt to life in England during his first few months at Old Trafford.
The 25-year-old joined United in January from AS Monaco and took time to settle into life in the Premiership, but has improved this season to become a first-team regular with the Red Devils.
Evra told AFP: "When I left Monaco, the first six months in Manchester were very difficult.
"At Monaco I had a guaranteed place in the team, there was never any competition. But here, in every training session, I have to fight with Gabriel Heinze and Mikael Silvestre.
"If you're not physically strong, you can't play in England. I didn't understand that when I arrived.
"I came with my technical ability, but in England first of all you have to be strong. Then you can play football.
"In France, I had time to look up. Here, as soon as you have the ball, the midfielder or forward has already tackled you."
