‘I should have cried’
Patrice Evra has opened up on what being selected for a World Cup feels like, but admitted he did not embrace it enough during his playing days.
Speaking to Betfair, Evra said: “Some players say playing for their country is their biggest dream and they have been dreaming about this moment since they were five years old.
“I’ve even said that myself. The problem is, when you play for a big club, you feel like you are guaranteed to go to the World Cup.
“Every time I got the call, I was happy but for me it was normal. When you retire, then you understand what that moment really means, being picked to go to the World Cup.
“I should have been crying the day I was selected.
“The best reactions you see are from the players that are playing for smaller teams. This is real.
“Don’t tell me Harry Kane, Neymar or Cristiano Ronaldo will be surprised to hear that they’ve been called up to play for their country at the World Cup.
“It would be interesting to see the reaction of the big players if they aren’t selected. That’s when you will really see the pain and emotion.”
