The full-back says he was eager to set a good example following the racism row with the striker and believes Juventus can win the Champions League

Patrice Evra insists he does not hold a grudge against Luis Suarez following the racism row during their Premier League days.

Suarez accrued an eight-game ban and fine after being found guilty of racially abusing Evra during a Premier League clash between Liverpool and Manchester United at Old Trafford.

“Suarez called me negro seven times. I’ve had bananas thrown, I’ve had shouts from behind me, but I’ve never taken it on board: it’s the ignorance of those who are afraid of something different, I understand that,” Evra told La Repubblica.

“Suarez, however, was an opponent and I was going to react to him. I asked myself: what should I do? Give him a punch that would be seen around the world, that will earn a two-year ban, that all the kids will see?

“I forgave him. I also voted him as the best player in the Premier League. A player doesn’t hold a grudge, and the man does not concern me, whether he is racist or not.”

Evra was involved in controversy with the France side at World Cup 2010 following a significant bust-up with coach Raymond Domenech, which prompted player strikes and ultimately a ban from international fixtures for the Juventus man.

Evra has made it clear that he felt he was doing his duty as captain by taking the fall-out from the incident, explaining:  “With Domenech in 2010, I did what the group decided a captain should do. I told them to go on holiday; that I would take the flak.”

The 33-year-old also believes Juventus can go all the way in the Champions League as he aims to reach a remarkable fifth final in the competition, having previously played in three for Manchester United and one for Monaco.

“I live in the present, because the past is regret and the future is anxiety. I don’t sell dreams to the fans, but – why not? It’s a competition so crazy that it seems incredible to have played in four finals,” he added.