From football to punching: Patrice Evra takes on MMA and challenges Luis Suárez: "He can bite me if he wants."

Former footballer Patrice Evra shocked the sports world with a statement that was as unexpected as it was provocative. Just days before his mixed martial arts debut , the formerManchester United left-back suggested Luis Suárez as a possible opponent, rekindling one of English football's most memorable rivalries.

At 43 , Evra is preparing to take a new step in his sporting career. After nearly a decade at the European football elite and with a trophy cabinet full of titles—including 15 championships with United—he will now swap the grass for the Octagon. His official presentation will be on May 23 at a PFL event in Paris , although he has yet to confirm an opponent.

True to his provocative style, the Frenchman posted a phrase on his X account (formerly Twitter) that shook the networks: "They asked me who I wanted to face. I said: 'Luis Suárez'. I'll pay out of my pocket. He might even bite me." The allusion to the Uruguayan striker did not go unnoticed, especially considering the history between the two.

This isn't the first time Evra has been controversial in his public statements, and this time he does so with an ironic nod that recalls one of the most tense episodes of his playing career. Although the invitation was issued without official confirmation, the challenge resonated strongly in the media.

The enmity between Evra and Suárez has deep roots. It all began during a derby between Manchester United and Liverpool , when the Frenchman reported that the Uruguayan had made a racist comment to him during the match. The incident resulted in a suspension for Suárez, who then refused to shake his hand during another encounter, further fueling the controversy.

That dispute marked an era in the Premier League and sparked heated debate on and off the pitch. More than ten years after the incident, Evra hasn't forgotten, and he's demonstrating it with a public provocation, now in a completely different role.

For his part, Luis Suárez remains a prolific professional footballer. He currently plays for Inter Miami , where he shares a dressing room with stars like Lionel Messi , Sergio Busquets , and Jordi Alba , in the MLS in the United States. So far, the striker hasn't responded to the challenge issued by his former rival, but the exchange of statements has already generated excitement among fans.

The tension-filled history between the two appears to have found a new chapter outside of football. It remains to be seen whether this call to action will be answered, or if it will remain just another provocation in the career of the ever-eccentric Evra.