The Manchester United legend laid bare his thoughts on his former rival's punditry career
Patrice Evra speaks
Patrice Evra went off on Arsenal fans after past comments from a former Gunners hero(Image: Instagram/PatriceEvra)
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Patrice Evra declared that Theo Walcott should never appear on television again after the former Arsenal player likened the current Gunners squad to the Manchester United side of 2008. Walcott - who enjoyed 12 years at the Emirates Stadium - left football fans stunned back in January while working as a pundit for Amazon Prime alongside Wayne Rooney and host Gabby Logan.
The trio were analysing Arsenal's Champions League encounter at the San Siro against Inter Milan when the ex-England forward posed a question to his former international colleague Rooney about who would prevail between Arteta's present squad and United's side from 18 years ago that secured both the Premier League and Champions League.
The 37-year-old asked Rooney: "Would your '08 team compete, well you would compete against this team, but how does it compare to your 2008 team? Which by the way, was probably the best team that I've ever played against. This [Arsenal] squad against that one."
Without hesitation, the United legend simply replied: "We'd batter them." His immediate response prompted laughter from Walcott and Logan before a grinning Rooney continued: "I think we would, I think we would."
Nearly three months after the live discussion, Evra featured on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast alongside former colleague Ryan Giggs and was questioned about Walcott's remarks by Ferdinand.
The consistently outspoken Evra delivered a scathing assessment as he went so far as to brand Arsenal supporters "delusional". The Frenchman said: "No, I'm leaving. That's the problem with Arsenal. Now he's comparing this team with our 2008 team.
"I think he's a menace for society. He should not be on TV. He's dangerous for the kids. That's why I keep saying they are delusional. I know I talk with my heart, but they are delusional. This is disrespect. He should never be on TV again when he starts asking questions like that."
Arsenal's campaign has risked falling apart over recent weeks where they've suffered defeat in the EFL Cup final to Manchester City and crashed out of the FA Cup to Championship outfit Southampton.
The Gunners succumbed to City once more on Sunday in a 2-1 loss, dealing a critical setback to their title ambitions as Rooney insisted the Arsenal faithful must rally behind the squad if the north London club are to secure their first league crown in 22 years.
Speaking on BBC Sport, he said: "I think for Arsenal to win the league, the Arsenal fans need to play their part. I thought in the Bournemouth game, the fans let them down. I said this last year as well in the Champions League.
Manchester United's French player Patrice Evra (L) and goal scorer Wayne Rooney (R) celebrate after Rooney scored the third goal of the match during their Premiership match against Aston Villa at home to Manchester United at Old Trafford football stadium on March, 29 2008.
Patrice Evra spent eight trophy-laden years playing with Wayne Rooney(Image: CARL DE SOUZA/AFP via Getty Images)
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"I thought the Arsenal fans were excellent against Real Madrid and really helped them, but I don't think they turned up against PSG, and they went out. So, I think they need to get behind the team a little bit more, support them, but understand that, you know, they might lose games at times.
"I think that the fans need to be better for the players and back the players a little bit more because the players that will have hurt them (booing vs Bournemouth), Arsenal players 100%."