Patrice Evra, 43, comes out of retirement to fight in MMA with Man Utd legend training for debut for almost a decade

MANCHESTER UNITED legend Patrice Evra is making a shock career change as an MMA fighter.

Evra will swap kicking a football for kicking an opponent as he prepares to make his MMA debut at PFL Europe Paris at the Accor Arena on 23 May.

The Frenchman has been training in combat sports alongside PFL French superstar Cédric Doumbé since 2016.

The 43-year-old said: "You guys should know by now, I love this game too!

"I’ve performed on the world’s biggest stages, won every major trophy in football, but PFL Europe Paris will be an incredibly special night for me.

"I’ve been training alongside the best in the world for years, and they’ll also tell you I’m ready for this.

"I’m going to put on a show at the Accor Arena on 23 May, so come watch the spectacle."

And after seeing his boxing debut cancelled in 2022, Evra will now fulfil his new dream next month.

The former left-back's opponent is yet to be announced, but he will be fighting on the same card as a number of French fighting superstars.

The night will be headlined by the lightweight bout between Mansour Barnaoui (22-6) vs. Archie Colgan (11-0) which could lead to Championship contention.

PFL CEO Pete Murray, said of Evra's inclusion: "I’m told he loves this game as much as us, and we’ll find out on 23 May!

"We’re incredibly excited to have the superstar that is Patrice Evra fight under the PFL banner, as we’re all about exciting match-ups and making history.

"I can’t tell you how excited Patrice has been putting this together, but I think you’re going to see it at the Accor Arena.

"Paris, we’re coming to put on another historic evening of MMA, don’t miss out."

Evra previously showed off his fighting skills during an infamous incident when he was at Marseille in November 2017.

The 81-cap Frenchman was sent off when he kicked one of his team's fans in the head before kick-off of a Europa League clash at Vitoria Guimaraes.

He was subsequently charged with violent conduct by Uefa and banned from Uefa competition football until June 2018 before he was sacked by his club.

Evra officially retired from professional football in 2019 following a year as a free agent after his release from West Ham, whom he had joined in February 2018.

He enjoyed a glittering career winning 20 trophies with Monaco, Man Utd and Juventus, including multiple league titles in England and Italy and lifting the Champions League with the Red Devils in 2008.