The exchange between Patrice Evra and Bixente Lizarazu centers around an incident during Evra’s first selection for the French national team on May 20, 2004. Here are the key points:
Incident Details:
- Patrice Evra recalled the day of his first selection, which took place during a France-Brazil match in 2004. He mentioned that Bixente Lizarazu did not shake his hand on that occasion.
Lizarazu’s Reaction:
- Bixente Lizarazu responded to Evra’s statement, expressing his bewilderment and describing it as incomprehensible and appalling. Lizarazu asserted that Evra’s image is his own responsibility and criticized the timing of the comments, considering the upcoming play-offs.
Denial of Accident:
- Lizarazu specifically denied an incident that Evra reported concerning him at the start of Evra’s career. The nature of the reported accident is not provided in the available information.
Timing Concerns:
- Lizarazu emphasized that Evra manages his own image, and he criticized the timing of the comments, noting that it comes just before the play-offs and suggesting that the French team had already lost Evra in South Africa.
The exchange adds to the ongoing controversy sparked by Patrice Evra’s remarks on Téléfoot, highlighting tensions and differing perspectives among former and current members of the French football community.
