Evra Advocates for Natural Pain Management in Football

Patrice Evra has opened up about the significant challenges he faced regarding pain management throughout his professional football career, revealing a regimen that once required him to take 38 pills daily. The former Manchester United and France left-back acknowledged that the relentless physical demands of elite football compelled him to depend heavily on painkillers to participate in matches, admitting that he felt truly fit on only a handful of occasions. This revelation coincided with his announcement of a new role as an investor and ambassador for KURK, a natural anti-inflammatory supplement that he believes could aid younger players in avoiding similar issues.

Evra elaborated on how nearly two decades at the highest level of the sport left him feeling he had no choice but to continue playing despite injuries. He described the use of painkillers as a routine aspect of his career, resorting to them even when he was physically unwell, as the rigorous demands of elite football offered little opportunity for proper recovery. His shift towards promoting natural pain management methods underscores his commitment to advocating for healthier, long-term solutions after witnessing the detrimental effects of medication overuse in the sport.

Now at 44 years old, the retired defender prioritizes his post-football health and hopes that his candidness will shed light on an issue that affects many athletes. His comments reflect growing concerns within the sport as several players have recently voiced their struggles with painkiller addiction and the long-term repercussions of such dependencies.

“I was taking 38 pills per day,” Evra stated while announcing his personal investment in KURK and his role as a brand ambassador. “I played over 700 professional games, and when people ask me how many times I felt 100 percent fit, I can probably count them on one hand. Throughout my career, I was constantly reaching for painkillers – it was simply part of the job.”

“At that level, sometimes you have no choice but to play, even when injured. The easy solution is to take painkillers.” Since retiring, Evra has emphasized the importance of investing in his physical well-being as his greatest priority.

Numerous former athletes have raised alarms about the dangers of excessive painkiller use in professional sports, with Evra’s testimony resonating with many similar experiences. Former Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland has also shared his struggles with Tramadol addiction, a substance that has been banned by WADA after its widespread use in football. Additionally, former Premier League striker Ivan Klasnic successfully sued a previous club for repeatedly prescribing him painkillers despite his kidney issues, resulting in a £4 million payout. Former Liverpool star Daniel Agger recently revealed that he suffers from chronic back pain after neglecting his injury and resorting to painkillers.

Evra’s initiative to promote natural anti-inflammatory alternatives comes after a career characterized by remarkable consistency and availability. Despite participating in over 725 club matches, his injury record was relatively free from major long-term issues, although this durability came at a considerable hidden cost.

Evra now views his mission as one of educating the next generation of footballers about long-term health, aiming to help them avoid the same reliance he experienced during his peak years. As he continues to advocate for natural recovery methods, he is expected to take on a larger ambassadorial role in discussions surrounding player welfare. With more former professionals sharing their experiences, the pressure may mount on clubs and governing bodies to reform pain management practices within elite football.

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