Evra Speaks Out on Pain Management in Football

omidbasir- Patrice Evra has opened up about the extreme pain management practices he adopted throughout his professional football career, revealing that there were times when he took as many as 38 pills daily. The former Manchester United and France left-back acknowledged that the constant physical strain of top-level football led him to heavily depend on painkillers to participate in matches, despite feeling genuinely fit only a few times throughout his career. This disclosure coincided with his announcement of a new role as both an investor and ambassador for KURK, a natural anti-inflammatory supplement, which he believes could assist younger players in evading a similar cycle of dependency.

Evra elaborated that the wear and tear from nearly two decades in professional football left him with little option but to continue playing, even when injured. He described painkillers as a regular part of his routine—an easy solution to cope with the demands of elite competition, which often did not allow for sufficient recovery time. His shift towards advocating for natural pain management solutions underscores his commitment to promoting healthier long-term alternatives after witnessing the adverse effects associated with medication overuse in the sport.

Now 44 years old, Evra prioritizes his post-football health and aims to draw attention to the pressing issue of painkiller dependency affecting many athletes. His comments come amid rising concerns within the sport, as several players have recently spoken out about the dangers of painkiller addiction and its long-term consequences.

“I was taking 38 pills per day,” Evra shared while announcing his personal investment in KURK and his role as brand ambassador. “Throughout my career, I probably played more than 700 professional matches, and when asked how many games I felt 100 percent fit in, I would say maybe five. Painkillers were a constant throughout my career—it became part of the job.”

He continued, “At that level, even when injured, there isn’t much choice but to play, and the simplest solution is to take painkillers.” Since retiring, Evra has stated that his most significant investment has been in caring for his own body.

Numerous former players have raised alarms regarding the risks associated with heavy painkiller usage in professional sports, and Evra’s testimony resonates with many of their experiences. Former Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland has publicly discussed his battle with Tramadol addiction, a substance now banned by WADA after being widely used in football for years. Likewise, former Premier League striker Ivan Klasnic successfully took legal action against a former club for repeatedly prescribing him painkillers despite his kidney issues, resulting in a £4 million payout. Former Liverpool star Daniel Agger has also recently shared his struggle with chronic back pain after neglecting his injury and relying on painkillers.

Evra’s commitment to promoting natural anti-inflammatory alternatives follows a career characterized by remarkable consistency and availability. Despite playing over 725 club matches, he managed to avoid significant long-term injuries; however, this durability came at a substantial hidden cost.

Now, Evra’s mission is to educate the upcoming generation of footballers about the importance of long-term health, ensuring they do not fall into the same patterns of dependency he experienced during his prime years. As he continues to advocate for natural recovery methods, he is expected to play a more prominent role in discussions surrounding player welfare. With an increasing number of former professionals voicing similar concerns, the pressure may mount on clubs and governing bodies to reform pain management practices in elite football.

KURK co-founder Trent Scanlen expressed enthusiasm for Evra’s involvement, stating, “The benefit of Evra’s involvement lies in his firsthand experience of the physical toll of elite sport. When he endorses KURK, it carries significant weight. His dedication to wellbeing and performance makes him an ideal partner to help us introduce KURK to the global stage.”