Patrice Evra announces retirement from football

Evra, 38, has called time on a 20-year career during which he played for Nice, Monaco, Man Utd, Juventus, Marseille, West Ham, and the France national side.

"To be fair it was an easy decision to make. I feel blessed and really grateful every day about what I have achieved," he told Soccer AM.

"I am a little bit emotional saying it now but I think it is the right time to do it.

"I went with my instinct, I just want to stop now.

"I am 38. I know I still look young but it's time for the new generation. I am happy."

The Frenchman says he has begun training for his coaching badges and intends to get a UEFA A license, but will take a year off before getting into a full-time coaching role.

"My playing career is officially over," Evra said. "I started training for the UEFA B Coaching License in 2013, now I want to finish it and then go on to get the UEFA A license.

"Sir Alex Ferguson said two of my players will be great managers and he mentioned me and Ryan Giggs. It was a big compliment.

"I don't want to do it straight away so I will work on TV and with my brand.

"I love to make people happy and laugh but when I am work I know I need to focus.

"I need maybe another year to enjoy life after so many sacrifices before becoming a manager.

"I know I can do it. I can't dedicate myself 100 percent right now."

The left-back spent eight seasons at Old Trafford, winning five Premier League titles, the Champions League and three League Cups.

Evra also won two Serie A titles at Juventus and the French League Cup at Monaco. He won 81 international caps for France between 2004 and 2016 and was in their squad for two World Cup and three European Championship tournaments.

AFP