Evra Reveals Pain Management Struggles and Advocates for Natural Alternatives

omidbasir- Patrice Evra has shed light on the extreme pain management strategies he adopted throughout his professional football career, revealing a regimen that once involved taking 38 pills daily. The ex-Manchester United and France left-back admitted that the relentless physical demands of elite football compelled him to rely heavily on painkillers to endure matches, despite feeling genuinely fit only a handful of times. His disclosure accompanies his new role as an investor and brand ambassador for KURK, a natural anti-inflammatory supplement he believes can help younger players avoid similar pitfalls.

Evra shared that nearly two decades of competing at the highest level left him feeling obligated to play through injuries. He characterized painkillers as an integral aspect of his routine, a necessity he turned to even while in physical distress, as the rigorous nature of elite football seldom afforded him the opportunity to rest adequately. His transition to advocating for natural pain management methods underscores his commitment to promoting healthier long-term solutions, particularly after witnessing the detrimental effects of medication overuse in the sport.

Now 44 years old, the retired defender prioritizes his post-football health and hopes his revelations will draw attention to a widespread issue affecting numerous professionals. His statements come amid increasing concern within the industry, as several athletes have publicly discussed painkiller addiction, dependency, and their long-term consequences.

“I was taking 38 pills per day,” Evra remarked while announcing his investment in KURK and his role as a brand ambassador. “I probably played more than 700 professional matches, and when people ask how many games I felt 100% fit, I would say maybe five. Throughout my career, I constantly reached for painkillers—it was part of the job.”

“At that level, sometimes even if you’re injured, you don’t have a choice but to play. And what’s the easy solution? Taking painkillers.” Since retiring, Evra has expressed that his most significant investment is in his own health.

Many former players have cautioned against the dangers of excessive painkiller use in professional sports, and Evra’s experiences resonate with others. Former Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland has openly discussed his own struggles with Tramadol addiction, a substance now banned by WADA after its prevalent use in football. Additionally, former Premier League striker Ivan Klasnic successfully sued a previous club for repeatedly prescribing painkillers despite his kidney issues, resulting in a £4 million payout. Furthermore, former Liverpool star Daniel Agger revealed he suffers from chronic back pain after neglecting his injury and resorting to painkillers.

Evra’s initiative to promote natural anti-inflammatory alternatives follows a career characterized by remarkable consistency and availability. Despite playing over 725 club matches, his injury history was relatively free of major long-term setbacks, although this durability clearly came at a significant hidden expense.

Now, Evra views his mission as one of educating the next generation of footballers about long-term health, aiming to ensure they do not fall into the same dependency he experienced during his peak years. As he continues to champion natural recovery methods, he is expected to assume a more prominent ambassadorial role in discussions about player welfare. With an increasing number of former professionals speaking out, there may be heightened pressure on clubs and governing bodies to reform pain management practices in elite football.

Trent Scanlen, co-founder of KURK, welcomed Evra’s participation, stating, “The benefit of Evra’s involvement is that he has lived the physical toll of elite sport. When he says KURK works, it carries real weight. His passion for well-being and performance makes him the ideal partner to help us bring KURK to the world.”