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Patrice Evra seals Juventus move

Patrice Evra has ended his eight-and-a-half-year stay at Manchester United by joining Juventus for 1.2 million pounds.

- Okwonga: Evra's passion will be missed at United

The 33-year-old has signed a two-year deal with the Italian club after asking to leave Old Trafford for personal reasons. Although United took up a one-year contract extension in May, they agreed to allow him to go.

The Serie A champions said on their official website that the transfer fee, which is to be paid in two instalments, will increase by 300,000 pounds if Juve qualify for the 2015-16 Champions League.

The deal had been expected to go through some time ago, but the departure of Juve coach Antonio Conte created doubts over the transfer until his replacement, Massimiliano Allegri, opted to proceed.

Evra issued a statement to United fans on his former club's official website, saying: "After a great deal of thought I have decided the time is right for me to leave Manchester United. It is the biggest decision of my career as this club is, and will always remain, in my heart."

The sale of the France international means United have now lost their three senior defenders this summer, with Nemanja Vidic joining Inter Milan and Rio Ferdinand being released before eventually signing for QPR.

United prepared for life after Evra by signing Luke Shaw from Southampton for an initial 27 million pounds but, after also selling Alexander Buttner, may need to sign a second left-back in the space of a few weeks.

Evra, who joined from Monaco for 5.5 million pounds in January 2006, endured a difficult debut but went on to become a major success at Old Trafford, scoring 10 goals in 379 games, serving as vice-captain and winning five Premier League titles and the 2008 Champions League.