Former Manchester United defender Patrice Evra has announced the death of his mother, paying tribute to her in an emotional social media video.
Evra, 45, revealed the news while fighting back tears before singing part of “Avant qu’elle parte” by French hip-hop group Sexion D’Assaut. The song’s title translates to “Before she goes.”
The former France international said his mother had been battling Alzheimer’s disease before her death.
“I lost my rock, but I’m trying to stay positive,” Evra said in the video.
He also used the moment to encourage people who still have their mothers to express their love for them while they can.
“People ask me every time if I’m always happy. And now all the people that have still got their mum, even if the death doesn’t stop the love, just tell them you love them, every single day, before they leave,” he said.
The former left-back spent nearly a decade at Manchester United, joining the club from Monaco in January 2006. He went on to make more than 300 appearances for the Red Devils and won five Premier League titles and the 2008 Champions League among other honours.
He also represented France at international level and later played for clubs including Juventus, Marseille and West Ham United.
