Manchester United defender Patrice Evra insists he never
considered leaving even when he found it hard to break into the
team.
Evra has started to show something of his true form after a
difficult start to his Old Trafford career last season.
The Frenchman arrived from Monaco last January, but he struggled to
establish himself as a regular in Sir Alex Ferguson's first-team
plans.
Evra has emerged as United's first-choice left-back this term and
the classy defender has thanked Sir Alex Ferguson for keeping faith
in him.
"I never knew Guy Roux, but I believe Alex Ferguson and him have
almost the same methods," Evra told L'Equipe.
"Ferguson is very close to his players and protects them. He is the
father of our team. He knew I would endure a difficult time at
first, but he was thinking to the future. He said: 'Pat, next
season I will ask you your best'.
The 25-year-old revealed he never thought of leaving United and he
also paid tribute to fellow Frenchmen Louis Saha and Mikael
Silvestre for helping him settle into life at Old Trafford
"I never thought about leaving. I am obstinate, leaving would have
been a defeat, and asking myself too many questions about my level
would have been dangerous.
"I thank Louis Saha and Mika Silvestre for their help. Since the
first day, Mika welcomed me and helped me a lot during daily life.
I have never saw such a professional player like him."
Evra also revealed that Ferguson has been encouraging him to be
more attack-minded.
"I have not changed my style in football, I just feel more powerful
than before and that gives me more trust," continued Evra.
"After a match when I didn't take enough attacking risk, Ferguson
told me: 'Pat, why did I buy you?' I replied: 'To attack.' He said:
'So, what are you doing?'
"I have to find the right balance, but the technical staff want me
to participate in attacks."