West Ham have announced the arrival of former Manchester United defender Patrice Evra on deal until the end of the season.
Marseille terminated Evra’s contract in November after the 36-year-old was involved in an altercation with a supporter prior to a Europa League game earlier that month.
The former France international spent the winter working on his fitness in the Middle East and has now secured a return to the Premier League four years after leaving for Juventus.
“I’m really happy to be a Hammer, to be back in the Premier League and I love this game!” Evra told the club’s official website.
“It’s amazing to be back and I am thankful to West Ham for giving me the opportunity to do my job. When I wake up and know I am going to work hard, to have fun with my teammates and give my best on the pitch, I want to say a massive thanks to West Ham, to the chairman, to the manager to all my teammates, who have given me a nice welcome, my agent and my brother.
“I’m just happy to be here, it’s really simple. You don't realise how lucky you are and just to wake up this morning and know I am going to train with my new teammates made me smile!”
Everton also expressed an interest in signing Evra but the former United defender’s preference was to live in London.
His arrival raises serious question marks about West Ham’s recruitment policy as co-chairman David Sullivan only stated in December that the club would stop signing players over the age of 30.
West Ham are already well-stocked at left-back with Aaron Cresswell and Sam Byram able to cover for Arthur Masuaku, who is due back from suspension against United on March 18.
Evra’s arrival also comes as a surprise as the Frenchman and David Moyes did not share the best relationship during Moyes' stint as United boss.
Moyes will be hoping that Evra’s experience can at least improve things at the back, as only Stoke (52) have conceded more Premier League goals than the Hammers (46) this season
