To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders
Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications
Published
| Last updated
Patrice Evra has opened up about his close friendship with former Manchester United teammate Ji-sung Park, while confirming the 40-year-old has become his son's godfather.
Back in April, the former France international paid tribute to "best friend" Park in a video on social media, hinting that he would become his child's godfather.
"He is such an amazing guy," Evra said. "Actually, he is the godfather of my future child."
People always ask me about my favourite players :soccer: some players are colleagues but other players are more than that :pray: Ji-sung Park is one of those players that I call my best friend #AskEvra #ilovethisgame #positive4evra #manchesterunited @ManUtd #korea pic.twitter.com/hjYB1qTp3X
- Patrice Evra (@Evra) April 22, 2021
Two weeks later, the United legend welcomed his first child with fiancee Margaux Alexandra to the world.
In a post on Instagram, he wrote: "Special moments skin to skin with our son Lilas Latyr Evra aka mister 'I love this game' Jr.
"Born Monday 3rd May 2021. I can't describe how lucky, blessed and proud I'm of Margaux.
"You were powerful not because you weren't scared but because you went on so strongly despite your fear. You're my rock my universe my everything!'"
Six months on and in an interview with Manchester United's official website, Evra revealed that close friend Park is indeed the godfather to his son.
When a fan asked how he became so close to the South Korean midfielder, the Frenchman explained: "Because I like shy people! When someone doesn't open himself up too much, that's when I go to those people.
"Ji is the godfather to my son, he's more than a friend. I spoke with him actually this morning so it just came naturally.
"He's such a humble person but he's also a funny guy. You don't see that side, because he only shows it to me. He's a real brother."
Ji-sung Park has big love for @Evra :heart:#MUFC pic.twitter.com/11W4izOECP
- Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 16, 2020
Ji Sung-Park has also spoken fondly about the pair's friendship at Manchester United and beyond.
"At first we didn't get together at all," the former United midfielder told United's official website. "After that, I don't really know how it happened, but we just slowly started to grow closer.
"He moved to Alderley Edge and later suggested that I did too, so we lived near each other, plus also we bonded over video games.
"At that time I think we were both playing Pro Evolution Soccer. Once we started playing that, we would often get together at each other's house to have dinner, play games and we just grew closer like that.
"I didn't speak French, he didn't speak Korean and neither of us spoke great English, so I guess the language of football helped!"
Park continued: "For those first few months he [Evra] was quite quiet around the club. That didn't last too long!
"He needed to know everything and everyone before he showed his full character.
"When he knew the club, knew the players, he was more comfortable then and everybody got to see that he had a huge personality and he became a big influence in the dressing room.
Patrice is loud. Everyone knows this now. Probably in the top three in that group. Rio, Gary, Patrice. I think everyone would guess that those three were the loudest in that dressing room!"
15 years since my @ChampionsLeague debut! Who knew it would be against my future teammate and brother Park Ji Sung. Happy memories for me. :grin: pic.twitter.com/IeJfmqvmgd
- Patrice Evra (@Evra) September 17, 2018
Featured Image Credit: PA
Topics: Football, Manchester United, Patrice Evra