Evra Reveals Pain Management Struggles and Advocates for Natural Solutions

omidbasir- Patrice Evra has disclosed the remarkable extent of pain management he underwent throughout his professional football career, revealing that at one point, he was taking as many as 38 pills daily. The former Manchester United and French international left-back admitted that the relentless physical demands of elite football left him heavily dependent on painkillers to participate in matches, reporting that he felt truly fit only a handful of times. This disclosure coincided with his announcement of a new role as an investor and ambassador for KURK, a natural anti-inflammatory supplement he believes can help younger players circumvent the cycle of dependency he experienced.

Evra elaborated that the wear and tear from nearly two decades at the pinnacle of the sport often compelled him to play through injuries. He characterized painkillers as an integral part of the profession, a solution he frequently turned to even when physically unwell, as the rigorous demands of elite football afforded him little opportunity for adequate recovery. His transition to promoting natural pain management alternatives reflects his commitment to advocating for healthier, long-term solutions, especially after witnessing the adverse effects of medication overuse in the sport.

Now at 44 years old, the retired defender prioritizes his post-football health and hopes that his candid admission will bring attention to an issue that affects many athletes. His remarks follow mounting concerns in the football community, as several players have publicly addressed struggles with painkiller addiction, dependency, and the long-term consequences of such use.

“I was taking 38 pills per day,” Evra revealed while announcing his personal investment in KURK and endorsing the brand as an ambassador. “I played over 700 professional matches, and when asked how many of those I felt 100 percent fit for, I would say maybe five. Throughout my career, reaching for painkillers became routine – it was part of the job.”

“At that level, even when injured, the decision to play is often not yours to make. What is the straightforward solution? Painkillers.” Since retirement, Evra emphasized that his most significant investment has been in his own health.

Numerous former players have echoed warnings regarding the dangers of excessive painkiller use in professional sports, and Evra’s experiences resonate with many. Former Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland has publicly spoken about his own struggles with Tramadol addiction, a substance now banned by WADA after being widely used in football for years. Additionally, former Premier League striker Ivan Klasnic successfully litigated against a former club for repeatedly prescribing him painkillers despite his pre-existing kidney issues, resulting in a £4 million settlement. Recently, former Liverpool star Daniel Agger disclosed his ongoing battle with chronic back pain, stemming from his decision to ignore a back injury and relying on painkillers.

Evra’s initiative to promote natural anti-inflammatory alternatives follows a career marked by extraordinary consistency and availability. Although he participated in over 725 club matches, he managed to evade major long-term injuries, yet it is evident that this durability came at a significant hidden cost.

Evra now views his mission as one of educating the next generation of footballers on the importance of long-term health, striving to ensure they do not fall into the same dependency he experienced during his peak years. As he continues to advocate for natural recovery methods, he is expected to play an increasingly prominent role in discussions surrounding player welfare. With a growing number of former professionals sharing their experiences, there may be increasing pressure on clubs and governing bodies to reform pain management practices within elite football.

Trent Scanlen, co-founder of KURK, expressed enthusiasm about Evra’s involvement, stating, “The benefit of Evra’s participation is that he has lived through the physical toll of elite sport. His endorsement carries significant weight, and his commitment to well-being and performance makes him an ideal partner to help us introduce KURK to a wider audience.”