Evra: World Cup Snub Hurt

Patrice Evra has admitted the 'tough blow' of being left out of France's World Cup squad has motivated him into becoming the player he is today. #

The Manchester United defender, who made his international debut in 2004 and has won seven caps, admits he was hurt to see his French colleagues playing in the World Cup, where they reached the final.

Speaking of his omission from the World Cup squad, he told L'Equipe: "That's what gave me my determination.

"But it was a tough blow never having played in a World Cup. It hurt me seeing my team-mates on TV. I said to myself: 'Pat, this year it's make-or-break.'

"I worked like a madman and I did weights work which I never did before because I considered football to be mainly a ball game.

"But to do well in England you need strong legs. I am not the same Evra I was when I started at Manchester."

He added: "I have to make my presence felt either in Manchester or with France but I don't want to burn myself out.

"Before Slovakia in August it had been nearly two years since I had been called up. It was good for me and I think it was my best match for France. I had some good criticism and I have to continue this way."