Patrice Evra believes his “winning mentality” will be invaluable to West Ham as they try to steer clear of relegation.
The 36-year-old former Manchester United defender is likely to go straight into the squad for Saturday’s home game against Watford after signing a short-term deal with the club.
Evra is currently serving a Uefa ban for kicking a supporter before a match last November, when he was playing for Marseille, but he is eligible to play in domestic competition.
West Ham are 12th in the League table but only three points above the relegation zone. “I’m excited but a lot of people talk about the past and the most important thing is the present,” said Evra, who has not played a competitive match since last November.
“The Patrice Evra of Manchester United is done. Now is a new challenge, which is Patrice Evra playing for West Ham.
“People say, ‘Why are you still playing when you have nothing to prove?’ But every day you wake up, you have something to prove to yourself. When I was working on my own, not one time was I ever thinking about retirement.
“Every day I was going to training with a lot of anger. In life, nobody gave me anything for free so that’s why I know I have to work hard. I will bring my winning mentality in every game. Even in training and in the gym, you have to have that mentality.
“For me, winning is something normal. I will do my best to bring to my team-mates that mentality.”
Evra looks likely to start on the bench against Watford, providing he comes through training.
West Ham boss David Moyes, who knows Evra from their time together at United, moved quicklyto sign the full-back this week.
He believes the former France international’s influence in the dressing room will be invaluable in the climax to this season.Evra can play as a left-back, a wing-back or on the left of a back three.
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