Patrice Evra Discusses Pain Management and Advocates for Natural Alternatives

Patrice Evra has opened up about the severe pain management challenges he faced throughout his professional football career, revealing a regimen that at one point included taking 38 pills daily. The former Manchester United and France left-back acknowledged that the relentless physical demands of elite football compelled him to depend significantly on painkillers, admitting he felt truly fit for only a handful of matches. This revelation coincides with his announcement of becoming an investor and ambassador for KURK, a natural anti-inflammatory supplement he believes can help younger athletes sidestep a similar cycle of dependency.

Evra elaborated that the cumulative wear and tear from nearly two decades at the highest level of competition left him with little option but to play through injuries. He described painkillers as an integral part of his routine, resorting to them even when physically compromised, as the competitive nature of the sport did not afford him adequate time for proper recovery. His shift towards advocating for natural pain management solutions underscores his commitment to promoting healthier long-term practices after witnessing the adverse effects of medication overuse in athletics.

Now 44 years old, the retired defender prioritizes his health post-football and hopes his candid remarks will shed light on an issue that impacts many professionals in the sport. His statements come amidst growing concerns about painkiller addiction and long-term side effects, as several players have begun to speak out about their struggles with dependency.

“I was taking 38 pills per day,” Evra revealed while announcing his investment in KURK and his role as a brand ambassador. “Having played over 700 professional matches, I would estimate that I felt 100 percent fit for maybe five of them. Throughout my career, I was constantly reaching for painkillers; it became part of the job.”

He added, “At that level, sometimes even if you’re injured, you have no choice but to play. And what’s the easiest solution? Taking painkillers.” Since retiring, Evra has expressed that his most significant investment is now in his personal health.

Numerous former players have cautioned against the dangers of heavy painkiller use in professional sports, with Evra’s experiences resonating with many of them. Former Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland has openly discussed his battle with Tramadol addiction, a substance that has since been banned by WADA following its widespread use in football. Additionally, former Premier League striker Ivan Klasnic successfully sued a previous club for repeatedly prescribing him painkillers despite existing kidney issues, resulting in a £4 million settlement. Former Liverpool star Daniel Agger has also recently disclosed suffering from chronic back pain after neglecting an injury and relying on painkillers.

Evra’s initiative to promote natural anti-inflammatory alternatives follows a career characterized by remarkable consistency and availability. Despite participating in over 725 club matches, his injury history was relatively free of major long-term issues, yet this durability evidently came with significant hidden costs.

Evra now regards his mission as one of educating the next generation of footballers about sustainable health practices, working to ensure they do not fall victim to the same dependency he experienced during his professional peak. As he continues to advocate for natural recovery methods, he is expected to take on a more prominent role in discussions surrounding player welfare. With an increasing number of former professionals sharing their stories, there may be mounting pressure on clubs and governing bodies to reform pain management protocols in elite football.

Co-founder of KURK, Trent Scanlen, praised Evra’s involvement, stating, “The advantage of Patrice’s participation lies in his firsthand experience of the physical toll of elite sport. When he endorses the effectiveness of KURK, it carries substantial weight. His dedication to wellbeing and performance makes him an ideal partner to help us introduce KURK to a wider audience.”