Patrice Evra has revealed that Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal wanted him to stay at Old Trafford this season.
The Frenchman was unveiled at Juventus this afternoon after leaving United this summer following eight years with the Premier League giants.
Evra signed a two-year deal with the Italian champions earlier this month but had looked poised to remain with United for the time being after penning a contract extension in May.
However, the left-back has now cited "personal reasons" for the U-turn, and claims that Van Gaal was "sorry" to see him leave the club.
"It was really difficult to leave Manchester United, it was for personal reasons," he told Italian reporters following his unveiling in Turin.
"Three months before the end of the season I asked to speak to other clubs and when I knew Juventus were interested it was an easy decision, but the most difficult thing was to leave Manchester United.
"Manchester had great confidence in me. I spoke to Van Gaal, who was sorry to see me go, but I wanted to come to Juventus."
The 33-year-old helped the Red Devils to five Premier League titles and one Champions League throughout his spell in England.
Shane Callaghan
