By Adegboyega Adeleye
Former Manchester United and France defender Patrice Evra has announced the death of his mother, Juliette, following her battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Evra shared the heartbreaking news in an emotional video posted on his social media accounts, where he paid tribute to his mother while singing “Avant qu’elle parte” by French hip-hop group Sexion d’Assaut.
The former defender struggled to hold back his emotions before addressing his followers.
“I lost my rock, but I’m trying to stay positive. People ask me every time if I’m always happy,” Evra said.
“And now all the people that have still got their mum, even if death doesn’t stop the love, just tell them you love them every single day, before they leave.”
Evra also accompanied the video with a heartfelt message celebrating his mother’s love. “Even when the whole world is against you, she will always be your best friend.
“A mother’s love is forever, no matter what happens in life. Rest in peace, Maman. You will always be in my heart,” he wrote.
The 45-year-old had previously spoken publicly about his mother’s health struggles and the profound impact she had on his life.
Evra has also used his social media posts to pay tribute to Juliette by occasionally appearing in videos wearing only one shoe. He revealed that the gesture was dedicated to his mother, who lost her left leg after being rushed to hospital in 2010.
Speaking about the incident, Evra recalled receiving the news while he was away with the France national team. He travelled to the hospital after seeking permission from the team’s manager and later discovered that his mother had lost her leg.
“When I arrived in the corridor, everyone was crying. I saw my brother and sister. I said, ‘Wow, this is weird,’” he recalled.
“Then I went to the room. My mum was on the bed and I kissed her. Then I sat next to her. It was only when I pulled off the blanket, that’s when I saw the left leg was missing.”
Evra said his decision to leave his left shoe off in some of his videos was his way of keeping his mother’s memory close.
“Every time I do a video, I just dedicate it to my hero, my mum,” he said.
The post Man United legend Patrice Evra announces mum’s death appeared first on Vanguard News.