Manchester United great Patrice Evra has revealed that he went through sexual abuse during his childhood. Evra stated that his headteacher during his school days forced himself upon him and took advantage of his vulnerability. The footballer told his mother the details recently after bottling it up for several years and understandably, his mother got enraged. Evra also said that toxic masculinity causes fair damage to the feelings of people. The Former French footballer wrote the details in his newly released autobiography.
Of course, she was devastated. It was a tough moment for me. I have still to tell a few of my brothers and sisters and close friends. I don't want people to feel pity. It's a difficult situation. A mother does not expect to hear this from their own child. She felt something and had asked me why I did not want to sleep in the teacher's house. Only now when I am 40 years old do I tell her. It was a big shock for her. A lot of anger. She said she was sorry. She said: 'You must not put it in your book, it's private Patrice,' but that's when I say, Mum, it's not about me, it's about other kids then she says OK, she understands.
Patrick Evra on revealing the details about sexual abuse to his mother
Living with that was one of my biggest regrets because I could have helped so many people. I've had enough of this toxic masculinity. For my father, crying was weak, but crying is not being weak. I lost my brother and I lost friends, but I never cried. My mother would say: 'One day you are going to explode.' I prefer to be an inspiration and example rather than a victim. I don't want that role of victim even if the truth is I've been a victim.
Patrick Evra on toxic masculinity and suppressing his feeling