Premier League • Transfers • Breaking Football News
Patrice Evra Admits He Threatened to 'Kill' Carlos Tevez for 'Betraying' Man Utd With Transfer to Man City as He Lifts Lid on Former Striker's 'Beef' With Sir Alex Ferguson
Carlos Tevez in Manchester United colours – the move to City shattered friendships at Old Trafford.
In one of the most candid football interviews of the year, former Manchester United captain Patrice Evra has admitted he phoned Carlos Tevez and threatened to “kill” him and “break his legs” after the Argentine striker’s sensational 2009 transfer to rivals Manchester City. The revelation has reignited one of the most bitter chapters in Premier League history and exposed the raw emotions behind one of the biggest cross-city betrayals in English football.
Speaking exclusively to The Athletic, Evra lifted the lid on the personal heartbreak he felt when his teammate and friend chose to join Manchester City, describing it as a direct “payback” to Sir Alex Ferguson. The Frenchman’s emotional reaction highlights just how deeply the move affected the United dressing room and how intense loyalty was under Ferguson’s reign.
The Background: Tevez’s Time at Manchester United and Growing Tensions
Sir Alex Ferguson – the legendary manager at the centre of the Tevez contract dispute.
Carlos Tevez joined Manchester United on a two-year loan from West Ham in 2007. Alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney, he formed part of a devastating attacking trio that helped United win the Premier League and Champions League in 2008. Tevez scored crucial goals, including in the Champions League final against Chelsea.
However, behind the success, relations with Sir Alex Ferguson soured. Ferguson was unhappy with the third-party ownership situation and was reluctant to sign Tevez permanently. Tevez felt undervalued and underused, especially after being left on the bench for the 2009 Champions League final defeat to Barcelona in Rome. That snub proved to be the breaking point.
On 13 July 2009, Manchester City announced the signing of Tevez on a five-year contract reportedly worth £47 million. The move sent shockwaves across football. For United fans, it was treason. For the players, especially Evra, it was a personal betrayal.
Evra’s Explosive Phone Call: “I’m Going to Kill You”
Evra was on holiday when he heard the news. The pain was instant. He immediately called Tevez and let his emotions spill out. The threat was made in the heat of anger and disappointment, but it perfectly captured the sense of betrayal felt by many at Old Trafford.
The two players had been very close. They shared laughs, celebrated trophies together, and developed a genuine brotherly bond. Evra’s reaction wasn’t just about football — it was about loyalty, respect, and the unwritten rules of the dressing room.
Evra’s Theory: Was the City Move Payback to Ferguson?
Evra firmly believes Tevez’s decision to join City was deliberate payback against Sir Alex Ferguson. He has stated publicly that Tevez felt disrespected by the way contract negotiations were handled and by being left out of the biggest game of the season.
Ferguson’s management style was built on discipline and loyalty. When Evra was later seen in public with Tevez, Ferguson reportedly warned him: “If I see you again outside with Tevez, I’m going to rip your contract up.” This shows how seriously the legendary manager took the situation.
The Aftermath: Heightened Manchester Derby Rivalry
Tevez celebrating for Manchester City against his former club.
Tevez quickly became a hero at the Etihad. He scored in derbies against United and famously celebrated provocatively in front of the away fans. The rivalry between the two Manchester clubs reached new levels of intensity, with Tevez at the centre of it all.
In 2012, Tevez played a key role in Manchester City’s first Premier League title in 44 years, scoring the famous last-minute winner against QPR on the final day. For United fans, that moment stung even more because of his past.
Long-Term Relationship: Evra and Tevez Remain Close
Despite the dramatic phone call and public fallout, Evra and Tevez have since reconciled. They have been seen together multiple times in recent years and still refer to each other as brothers. Evra’s latest interview shows he can now laugh about the situation while acknowledging how painful it felt at the time.
5 Key Moments That Defined the Tevez Saga
- 2007: Tevez arrives on loan and becomes an instant hit.
- 2008: Helps United win the Premier League and Champions League double.
- May 2009: Left on bench for Champions League final – turning point.
- July 2009: Signs for Manchester City – the ultimate betrayal for United fans.
- 2010 onwards: Scores against United and intensifies the derby hatred.
Legacy in 2026: What It Means for Modern Football
Seventeen years later, the Tevez transfer remains one of the most talked-about moments in Premier League history. In today’s game where players change clubs frequently for money, such raw displays of loyalty and emotion are becoming rarer.
Evra’s honesty reminds fans why football is more than just business — it’s about passion, identity, and belonging. Sir Alex Ferguson built a culture at Manchester United where loyalty was everything. Crossing to City broke that code in the most public way possible.
As both clubs continue to compete at the highest level, the scars of 2009 still influence how fans view players who switch sides. Tevez remains a club legend at City and a controversial figure at United. Evra continues to be adored by the Old Trafford faithful for his honesty and leadership.
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