Evra hopes for clean slate

Evra: Back in the fold

Patrice Evra admits a turbulent 2010 World Cup for France left him scarred, but he is keen to open a new chapter.

Having been identified as one of the ring leaders of a player revolt in South Africa last summer, Evra was handed a five-match ban by the French Football Federation.

The Manchester United full-back has served that suspension, and been left out of two squads since, and has now gone nine months since he last pulled on a national jersey.

He has, however, been handed a recall by Laurent Blanc for a Euro 2012 qualifier against Luxembourg on Friday, suggesting his misdemeanours have been forgiven.

Evra hopes the issues of the past can now be left alone, with it important for all concerned that the country unites once more and focuses on a bright future.

"You can ask anyone, I was a good captain," said Evra. "Besides, I have been very well received (back into) the group.

"Until the World Cup, I had always behaved well. I do not think any of you had heard that Evra was creating problems.

Regrets

"We admit that we made mistakes, we regret that and we have apologised. People forget that I was the first to apologise after the last match against South Africa.

"I think I shall always live with this scar, but I want to go ahead and build a new story, much better than the previous. I want to be a solution, not a problem.

"I want to be seen as someone who wants to invest for the future. As a single player, without status."

Evra confirmed that his recall to the squad had come on the back of a meeting with national coach Blanc, describing their discussions as 'beautiful and frank'.

Les Bleus chief Blanc has also reflected positively on their get-together and hopes the defender will continue on the road to redemption by putting in eye-catching performances on the field.

"We talked about the past, present and future," he said.

"He seems devoted to the French team, but I know that words are easy and actions are sometimes more difficult."