Luxurious paydays, fame, and the ability to retire young - on the surface, being a footballer seems like living on easy street to those unfamiliar with behind-the-scenes struggles. But a former Manchester United star has revealed that his dependency on painkillers during his playing career saw him taking up to 38 pills per day.
It is the latest story in a library full of the side effects of playing in the Premier League. Indeed, there are many success stories too, but increasingly, the modern game presents us with tales of tribulation, as evidenced by the fact that eight former England internationals have filed for bankruptcy.
Fixture scheduling has been earmarked as a contemporary issue of late, with some footballers even threatening to boycott matches if the sport’s leaders continue to add new competitions and expand existing ones. But for Patrice Evra, even during his playing days, the brutal scheduling at one of the world’s biggest clubs proved overwhelming.
Patrice Evra's Painkiller Dependency During Man United Career
Patrice Evra in action for Manchester United
Evra is keen to highlight the benefits of liquid curcumin - the active ingredient in turmeric - against the backdrop of his own struggles with pain management on the pitch. The 44-year-old told the Daily Mail that, with the wear and tear built into his time at the highest level, he probably only felt fully fit “five times” when stepping onto the turf. He said:
"I was taking 38 pills per day. I maybe played more than 700 professional games, and when people ask, 'How many games did you play where you felt 100 per cent fit?' I would probably say maybe five. Throughout my career, I was constantly reaching for painkillers - it was part of the job. At that level, sometimes even if you're injured, you don't have a choice but to play. And what's the easy solution? Taking painkillers."
man utd evra ferguson
Since retirement, Evra went on to admit, the former defender shared that he believes his biggest investment is "investing in his body". He added; : "I think it's really important. Today, I think my role is to make sure the new generation understands the amazing product KURK created can save their football career, maybe have even more longevity and not get the same issue I got."
Manchester United's Harry Maguire reacts after sustaining an injury
Premier League - Aston Villa v Manchester United - Villa Park, Birmingham, Britain - October 6, 2024 Manchester United's Harry Maguire reacts after sustaining an injury Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra
Sadly, as aforementioned, any attempts by drug makers to reduce reliance on painkillers are being directly conflicted by governing bodies’ insatiable desire to add more fixtures to the calendar. But that isn’t to say there aren’t companies willing to fight the good fight.
A number of footballers have warned against the dangers of overusing painkillers in the sport for the same reasons cited by Evra, with former Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland particularly outspoken about his addiction to Tramadol. The painkiller was added to the list of prohibited substances by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and is now banned in the game.
Former Premier League star Ivan Klasnic won a £4 million payout after he was repeatedly prescribed painkillers by a former club while suffering from kidney issues. Evra has been particularly impressed with the all-natural anti-inflammatory properties of KURK's product, taking to heart the company's motto of “plants not pills.”
Liverpool's Alisson Becker walks off the pitch after sustaining an injury
Premier League - Crystal Palace v Liverpool - Selhurst Park, London, Britain - October 5, 2024 Liverpool's Alisson Becker walks off the pitch after sustaining an injury REUTERS/Hannah Mckay
"This sums up my entire football career," he stressed. "I believe in this product and I believe it's a life changer. We can help a lot of athletes and a lot of people." KURK co-founder Trent Scanlen added that the benefit of Evra's involvement was that he had "lived the physical toll of elite sport."
"So when he says KURK works, it carries real weight," he added. "His passion for wellbeing and performance makes him the perfect partner to help us bring KURK to the world."