West Ham United have confirmed the signing of Patrice Evra on a free transfer until the end of the season.
The 36-year-old, who has played for Manchester United and Juventus, was released by Olympique Lyonnais in November and returns to the Premier League for the first time since 2014.
“I’m really happy to be a Hammer, to be back in the Premier League and I love this game!” the French international said. “It’s amazing to be back and I am thankful to West Ham for giving me the opportunity to do my job.
Evra spent eight years in the top-flight with United, making over 370 appearances in all competitions. The French international, who’s made 81 caps for the national team, won five Premier League titles, three League Cups and a Champions League with the Red Devils before moving to Juventus in 2014.
He would go on to win two Serie A titles and two Coppa Italias with the Old Lady before making the switch to Marseille. However, his time at the Stade Vélodrome didn’t go too well. Evra was released mid-way through his second season after kicking an abusive fan during a training session in November.
West Ham are confident he’ll have to disciplinary problems and they’ve been desperate for his experience in defence. The Londoners have conceded the second-most amount of goals (46) in the Premier League this season.
United have 27 points from 26 games and have gone eight matches without a win – their last victory was all the way back in September against Swansea City (1-0).
