Evra Advocates for Healthier Pain Management in Football

Patrice Evra has opened up about the intense pain management he underwent throughout his professional football career, revealing a regimen that at one point included taking up to 38 pills daily. The ex-Manchester United and French international left-back acknowledged that the relentless physical demands of elite football led him to rely heavily on painkillers, admitting that he felt completely fit only on a rare few occasions. His admission coincides with his announcement of a new role as an investor and ambassador for KURK, a natural anti-inflammatory supplement that he believes can help younger players break the cycle of painkiller reliance.

Evra articulated that nearly two decades of playing at the highest level left him feeling compelled to play through injuries, with painkillers becoming an integral part of his routine. He noted that even when experiencing physical difficulties, he turned to medication due to the unforgiving schedule of elite football, which did not afford him adequate time to recuperate. His transition into promoting natural pain management solutions reflects his commitment to advocating for healthier long-term alternatives after witnessing the adverse effects of excessive medication use in the sport.

At 44, the retired defender emphasizes the importance of prioritizing his post-football health and aims to shed light on an issue that impacts many athletes. His remarks come amid growing concern within the sport, as several players have publicly discussed the dangers of painkiller addiction and its long-term consequences.

“I was taking 38 pills per day,” Evra revealed while announcing his investment in KURK and his role as a brand ambassador. “In my career, I played over 700 professional matches, and when asked how many times I felt 100 percent fit, I would say perhaps five. My reliance on painkillers was a constant throughout my career—it felt like part of the job.”

He added, “At that level, even if you’re injured, playing is often not an option. The simplest solution is to take painkillers.” Since retiring, Evra has stated that he considers his most significant investment to be in his own health.

Numerous former players have cautioned against the dangers of heavy painkiller use in professional sports. Evra’s experience mirrors that of many, including former Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland, who has publicly shared his struggle with Tramadol addiction, a substance now banned by WADA after being prevalent in football for years. Additionally, former Premier League striker Ivan Klasnic successfully sued a former club for repeatedly prescribing him painkillers despite known kidney problems, leading to a £4 million payout. Likewise, former Liverpool player Daniel Agger has recently disclosed his battles with chronic back pain resulting from previously ignoring his injury.

Evra’s commitment to promoting natural anti-inflammatory options comes after an impressive career characterized by remarkable consistency and availability. Despite featuring in over 725 club matches with a relatively clean injury record, his durability came at a significant hidden cost.

Now, Evra aims to educate the upcoming generation of footballers about long-term health, striving to ensure they do not fall into the same dependency on painkillers that he experienced. As he continues to advocate for natural recovery methods, he is expected to take on a more prominent role in discussions about player welfare. With more former professionals voicing similar concerns, pressure may mount on clubs and governing bodies to reform pain management practices within elite football.

KURK co-founder Trent Scanlen expressed enthusiasm for Evra’s involvement, stating, “Evra’s firsthand experience of the physical toll of elite sport adds significant credibility to our mission. When he endorses KURK, it resonates deeply. His dedication to wellbeing and performance makes him an ideal partner as we aim to introduce KURK to a wider audience.”