Patrice Evra Warns Luis Suarez, but Will Accept Champions League Final Handshake
Juventus left-back Patrice Evra has confirmed he will shake Luis Suarez's hand prior to the Champions League final but has warned the Barcelona striker he is going to leave a lasting impression during the match.
Suarez was charged with racially abusing Evra during his Liverpool days, when the latter resided at Manchester United.
The Uruguayan was on the receiving end of an eight-game ban and a £40,000 fine, as reported by Rory Keane of MailOnline. Suarez then refused to shake Evra's hand when he returned to action in Feb. 2012, with the defender celebrating in front of the forward after securing three points.
However, in 2014, both players shook hands without incident. ESPN tweeted a photo of the moment:
With a Champions League final date against Suarez confirmed, Evra is already being asked how the two will approach each other, as reported by Keane.
"A lot of people ask me this question," said the Frenchman. "It doesn't matter. The most important thing is I play the final, you know. I am proud to be what I am, I am proud about my colour and I will shake his hand, it is no problem, but I will make sure he feels my presence on the pitch."
In an interesting turn of fate, Suarez will also come up against centre-back Giorgio Chiellini, the player he bit at last summer's World Cup. Suarez received a four-month ban following this incident, but last year, Chiellini publicly noted he doesn't feel the need for revenge on Twitter:
Suarez is part of the sport's most exciting front three right now. He continues to excel alongside Lionel Messi and Neymar, and he provided two assists during Barcelona's 3-2 semi-final second leg defeat to Bayern Munich on Tuesday. Neymar's brace sent the Catalan club through via a 5-3 aggregate score.
Both Evra and Chiellini were key during Juventus' toppling of Real Madrid. Wednesday's 1-1 draw sent the Italians through with a 3-2 aggregate win, a major surprise to many. Massimiliano Allegri's side were meticulously organised and never allowed the potent attacking threat of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale to significantly influence proceedings from open play.
Squawka highlighted the defence's effort:
B/R UK's Alex Dimond gave his early predictions as we look forward to the final:
Suarez's challenge against Evra and Chiellini promises to be a key subplot heading into the Berlin showpiece. While all players appear to be over their discrepancies, it only takes one mistimed tackle or clash to send temperatures rising.
Evra certainly appears keen on dominating the energetic striker, who will be intent on starring in his first Champions League final.
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