Patrice Evra recorded a video to share the hardest news.
The former Manchester United and France fullback, now 45, announced on social media that his mother, Juliette, had died.
The lump in his throat was obvious: he was on the verge of tears as he spoke, with soft music in the background. “I lost my pillar, but I’m trying to stay positive”.
The man who captained the team at Old Trafford and played 81 matches for France, runners-up at Euro 2016, didn’t talk about titles or goals. He talked about Mom.
According to British media, Juliette had been dealing with health problems for several years and had Alzheimer’s. He ended with a request that goes beyond himself.
“To everyone who still has their mother, tell her you love her every day, before she leaves. A mother’s love is forever. Rest in peace, Mom. You will always be in my heart”.