Evra Highlights Pain Management Challenges in Professional Football

Patrice Evra has opened up about the remarkable extent of pain management he undertook throughout his professional career, revealing a regimen that once 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 rely heavily on painkillers to endure matches, even though he felt genuinely fit on only a handful of occasions. This revelation coincided with his announcement of a new role as both an investor and ambassador for KURK, a natural anti-inflammatory supplement he believes can help younger players avoid the pitfalls he faced.

Evra explained that the accumulated strain from nearly two decades at the highest level of football left him feeling he had little option but to play through injuries. He described the use of painkillers as an integral part of his routine, often resorting to them even when physically compromised, due to the nature of the sport which offered little time for proper recovery. His transition to promoting natural pain management solutions reflects a desire to advocate for healthier, long-term alternatives, especially after witnessing the adverse effects of over-reliance on medication in the sport.

At 44 years old, the retired defender now prioritizes his health post-football and hopes that his candid remarks will bring attention to an issue that affects numerous athletes. His comments come amid increasing concern within the sport as several players have publicly addressed issues related to painkiller addiction, dependency, and long-term health repercussions.

“I was taking 38 pills per day,” Evra revealed while announcing his investment in KURK and his role as a brand ambassador. “I played over 700 professional games, and when asked how many times I felt 100 percent fit, I would say maybe five. Throughout my career, reaching for painkillers became a routine—it was simply part of the job.”

He added, “At that level, even if you’re injured, sometimes you don’t have a choice but to play. And what’s the easy solution? Taking painkillers.” Following his retirement, Evra underscored that his most significant investment is now in his health.

Several former players have raised alarms about the dangers of excessive painkiller usage in professional sports, with Evra’s account resonating with their experiences. Former Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland has spoken about his addiction to Tramadol, a substance that has since been banned by WADA after its widespread use in football. Additionally, former Premier League striker Ivan Klasnic successfully sued a former club for continuously prescribing him painkillers despite his kidney issues, resulting in a £4 million payout. Former Liverpool star Daniel Agger also recently revealed his struggle with chronic back pain after ignoring a serious injury and relying on painkillers.

Evra’s shift toward endorsing natural anti-inflammatory alternatives comes after a long career characterized by exceptional availability and consistency. Despite participating in over 725 club matches, his injury record was relatively clear of significant long-term issues; however, this durability evidently came at a considerable hidden cost.

Evra now envisions his mission as one of educating the next generation of footballers about the importance of long-term health, aiming to ensure they avoid the same dependency he succumbed to during his prime. As he continues to advocate for natural recovery methods, he is expected to take on a more prominent ambassadorial role in discussions surrounding player welfare. With an increasing number of former professionals speaking out, pressure may mount on clubs and governing bodies to reform pain management practices in elite football.

KURK co-founder Trent Scanlen expressed enthusiasm over Evra’s involvement, stating, “The benefit of Evra’s participation lies in his firsthand experience with the physical toll of elite sport. When he asserts that KURK is effective, it holds significant weight. His commitment to well-being and performance makes him an ideal partner to help us introduce KURK to a broader audience.”