Evra Reveals Pain Management Struggles and Advocates for Healthier Alternatives

omidbasir- Patrice Evra has opened up about the extreme measures he took for pain management throughout his professional football career, disclosing that there were times he relied on as many as 38 pills each day. The retired left-back for Manchester United and the French national team acknowledged that the relentless physical demands of elite football forced him to depend heavily on painkillers, revealing that he felt completely fit only a handful of times. His candid remarks coincide 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 avoid similar pitfalls.

Evra elaborated on how nearly two decades in professional football left him with little choice but to continue playing through injuries. He characterized painkillers as an integral part of his routine, often resorting to them even when physically unwell, due to the intense demands of the sport leaving little room for adequate rest. His transition into advocating for natural pain management reflects a desire to promote healthier long-term solutions, particularly after witnessing the adverse effects of overmedication in the sport.

Now at 44, Evra prioritizes his health post-retirement and hopes his revelations will shed light on an issue that affects many athletes. His comments come amid increasing concern within the sport, following several players who have publicly discussed their struggles with painkiller addiction and its long-term consequences.

“I was taking 38 pills per day,” Evra disclosed while announcing his investment in KURK and his role as a brand ambassador. “I may have played over 700 professional matches, and when people ask how many games I played feeling 100 percent fit, I would say maybe five. Throughout my career, reaching for painkillers became part of the job.”

“At that level, even when injured, you often feel you must play. The easiest solution? Taking painkillers.” Since retiring, Evra has emphasized that his most significant investment is now in his own health.

Numerous former players have cautioned against the risks associated with heavy painkiller usage in professional sports, and Evra’s account resonates with many similar experiences. Chris Kirkland, a former Liverpool goalkeeper, has openly discussed his own struggles with Tramadol addiction, a substance now banned by WADA after its widespread use in football. Additionally, Ivan Klasnic, a former Premier League striker, successfully sued a former club for repeatedly prescribing him painkillers despite his kidney condition, resulting in a £4 million compensation. Recently, former Liverpool player Daniel Agger also shared his battle with chronic back pain stemming from neglecting an injury and relying on painkillers.

Evra’s advocacy for natural anti-inflammatory alternatives follows a commendable career characterized by remarkable consistency and availability. Despite participating in over 725 club matches, his injury history was relatively free from significant long-term absences, though this resilience came at a considerable hidden cost.

Evra now sees his mission as one of educating the next generation of footballers about long-term health, ensuring they do not fall into the same dependency he experienced during his prime years. As he champions natural recovery methods, he is expected to play a more prominent role in discussions about player welfare. With an increasing number of former professionals voicing their concerns, the pressure may grow on clubs and governing bodies to reform their pain management practices in elite football.

Trent Scanlen, co-founder of KURK, welcomed Evra’s involvement, stating, “The benefit of Evra’s participation is rooted in his firsthand understanding of the physical toll of elite sport. When he endorses KURK, it carries substantial credibility. His commitment to wellbeing and performance makes him an ideal partner in our mission to introduce KURK to a wider audience.”