5 Memorable Moments for Manchester United and France Man Patrice Evra

There is no denying that Patrice Evra is an incredibly passionate player who often inspires great emotion from football fans.

Manchester United supporters adore him, whilst Arsenal fans aren't very keen, and Liverpool fans are outright abusive.

His career hasn't been without controversy as a result of his passion—both when representing United and France.

What were some of his more memorable moments when playing for his country?

Debut: 2004

MICHEL EULER/Associated Press

Having played a handful of times for the under-21s, Evra was called up to the senior team for a friendly against Bosnia-Herzegovina in August 2004.

Raymond Domenech, who had coached Evra at U21 level, was the manager of the senior team by this point.

Evra started his career for France on the left wing in this game, before being replaced by Robert Pires in the 75th minute. The game finished 1-1. 

Fight in the Tunnel: 2008

Matt Dunham/Associated Press

Evra's first controversial moment for France came in 2008, when he was caught on camera fighting with his team-mates.

Following a defeat against Italy and elimination from Euro 2008, Evra had to be separated from Eric Abidal and Patrick Vieira in the tunnel.

Evra and Abidal were rivals for the starting position at left-back at the time, although the cause of the altercation was never confirmed. 

Captaincy: 2010

Francois Mori/Associated Press

Evra has captained his country on five occasions, having first been given the armband in May 2010.

His first game as captain was a friendly against China just before the World Cup.

France lost the game 1-0.

This wasn't the last moment of disappointment for Evra as captain of his country, either. 

World Cup Strike: 2010

Hassan Ammar/Associated Press

During the 2010 World Cup, Nicolas Anelka fell out with manager Raymond Domenech, which resulted in the France squad going on strike.

Anelka had been left out of the squad and the players decided not to take part in training as a result.

As newly appointed captain, it was reported by news outlets like the BBC that Evra was one of the instigators of this movement. He had been seen rowing with fitness coach Robert Duverne moments before the public training was supposed to take place. Domenech had to separate Evra and Duverne, before Duverne stormed off, throwing his accreditation badge to the ground.

France finished bottom of their group and Evra was banned from representing France for five games as a result of his actions.

Due to Evra's behaviour during that World Cup, current French manager Didier Deschamps has confirmed that Evra won't ever captain the team whilst he is manager.

Per Ian Holyman for ESPN:

"

He will never be with me, and he knows it. He knows why, but that doesn't mean he's not important. They are all important. He has a past. And some speak more than others. But even when it's good, it's not good. 

"

Return to the Squad: 2011

Michel Spingler/Associated Press

When Evra's ban ended, Laurent Blanc waited a further month before calling the defender up to the squad.

Evra eventually made his return to the team in March, in the team's Euro 2012 qualifying match against Luxembourg. He started the contest and played the full 90 minutes in a 2–0 win.

Speaking at the time, Evra revealed his pride at being involved in the squad again, per Robin Scott-Elliot of The Independent:

"

I worked like a madman in my club to maintain my level and to get the chance to be called up. It's with great pride that I find myself back in the French team, which I missed enormously. The people who know the real Patrice Evra knew I would fight to come back. 

"