Paul Pogba pays Patrice Evra a visit as Man United legend steps up preparations for MMA debut
Paul Pogba went to watch Patrice Evra train ahead of the former Manchester United defender’s mixed martial arts debut next month.
Evra, 43, called it a day on his football career in 2019, and has switched the boots for gloves as he prepares to debut for the Professional Fighters League (PFL) at their Paris event on May 23.
While his opponent is yet to be declared, Evra said on social media that he wants to fight Luis Suarez, whom he was embroiled in an infamous racism row with back in 2011.
Meanwhile, Pogba has been without a team since mid-November when his Juventus contract was mutually terminated.
The Frenchman was initially hit with a four-year ban from football in February last year after a drugs test found increased levels of testosterone in his system.
However, the World Cup winner was handed a lifeline in October when the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) reduced the sanction from four years to 18 months following an appeal.
Paul Pogba visited his former France team-mate Patrice Evra ahead of the latter’s MMA debut
Evra is set to fight for the Professional Fighters League (PFL) at their Paris event on May 23
Pogba is still without a club after his contract with Juventus was mutually terminated last year
Pogba and Evra’s friendship dates back to 2009 when the former joined Man United’s academy from Le Havre.
Evra was vice-captain of the club and already a senior figure, which led to him adopting a mentor role towards his fellow countryman.
The two played together for the French national team, with Evra captaining his nation on occasion.
Since his retirement, Evra’s off-the-pitch escapades have included punditry, business ventures, and his emergence as a social media personality.
The ex-left back has been a vocal defender of Pogba when appearing on social media, and on Sky Sports as a pundit. Evra even wrote an open letter to Pogba on Instagram when France won the World Cup in 2018.
He was reportedly influential in Pogba’s decision to re-join Man United for a then-world record transfer fee from Juventus in 2016 (£89million).
During his time away from the field, Pogba has been linked with the likes of Marseille, Man City, Corinthians and Man United.
The 32-year-old has been training in Miami with coaches, working on both his football and physical fitness.
The duo’s friendship began in 2009 when Pogba joined Manchester United’s youth setup
Evra played with Pogba for France and has been a vocal defender of the midfielder off the pitch
However, reports last month revealed Pogba is unlikely to sign with any club before the end of the current season.
Reports have also claimed that the midfielder has turned down offers from the Saudi Pro League and the Brazilian top flight in order to give himself the best chance to make the Les Blues squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Pogba’s last competitive match came for Juventus in September 2023, while he last played 90 minutes in March 2022 when he still turned out for the Red Devils.
Meanwhile, his last match for France came in a 5-0 friendly win against South Africa on March 29 2022, in what was his 91st cap for his nation.
