Manchester United transfer news: Patrice Evra leaves for Juventus for undisclosed fee

Patrice Evra (Fifa)

Patrice Evra is bidding farewell to Manchester United after 300 appearances for the club. 

The French international's departure to Juventus follows the deal to bring England international Luke Shaw to Old Trafford from Southampton. 

The exact fee for 33-year-old Evra hasn't been confirmed but Sky Sports says it is thought to be around £1.5m. 

Evra said on United's official website he had given his decision to depart from Old Trafford "a great deal of thought" but felt that "the time is right for me to leave Manchester United". 

"It is the biggest decision of my career as this club is, and always will remain, in my heart," he said. 

"Joining and playing for Manchester United has been a privilege, a dream come true and my time here has been so memorable." 

He also thanked Sir Alex Ferguson and the fans: "Every single time I stepped out in that shirt, I knew I was playing for the badge and for a very special club.  My passion for this club will live on and I know you guys will go on to enjoy more success in the coming seasons." 

News of his departure comes as the leadership at Manchester United sent strong signals of more additions ahead of the new season. 

The club is looking to strengthen its squad in the hopes of a more noteworthy finish at the end of the forthcoming Premier League than last season's seventh place. 

The suggestion of more players being brought in makes sense as the retirement of Ryan Giggs and the departure of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand have created some space.  

The club has already spent £56m bringing in defender Luke Shaw and midfielder Ander Herrera, but executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward told MUTV: "There is a lot of work going on behind the scenes.  Watch this space."

News
The evidence for faith-based morals: the academic research that backs Christian family values
The evidence for faith-based morals: the academic research that backs Christian family values

Research shows that lifelong marriage is good for all concerned

Wildwood Kin’s Meg Loney on how a 24/7 prayer meeting brought her back from the brink 
Wildwood Kin’s Meg Loney on how a 24/7 prayer meeting brought her back from the brink 

Meg Loney went from the depths of drug addiction to being a follower of Christ bringing hope and healing to others with her music.

How going to prison for a crime I didn’t commit changed my life – for the better
How going to prison for a crime I didn’t commit changed my life – for the better

In 2008, Wilson Femayi was wrongly convicted and sent to prison for a crime he didn’t commit. He had just graduated from Bible college. His arrest — the result of a personal vendetta — was a devastating moment. But even in that dark place, God was at work. Today, Wilson is the Executive Director of Prison Fellowship Zimbabwe, leading programmes that are restoring prisoners and reuniting families across the country.

Christians in Africa face worsening violence, report finds
Christians in Africa face worsening violence, report finds

A new report from International Christian Concern (ICC) has revealed a disturbing rise in violence against Christians across parts of Africa, with Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Kenya experiencing a surge in attacks, abductions, massacres and forced displacements.