Evra shared his reflections on social media, describing his visit to the memorial as \u201cdeep, powerful and emotional\u201d and saying he believes understanding a country\u2019s history is important to understanding its people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI want to say sorry for what happened to my Rwandan brothers and sisters,\u201d Evra said on Wednesday. \u201cNo words can ever change the past, but seeing what Rwanda has built and how the country continues to move forward is truly inspiring.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The former left-back also expressed respect for the country\u2019s leadership, recalling that he had met President Paul Kagame in the past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI met your President a long time ago, but after seeing and understanding more about Rwanda\u2019s journey, I have an even deeper respect for the way these difficult matters have been handled,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Evra also visited Kigali Golf Resort & Villas during his stay in the Rwandan capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The football legend is among the international guests expected to attend the Kwita Izina gorilla naming ceremony scheduled for September 4, 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He is expected to be joined by other prominent football figures, including former France international Mamadou Sakho, who played for Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Kwita Izina ceremony brings together international figures, conservationists, government officials and other guests to celebrate Rwanda\u2019s mountain gorilla conservation efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Evra enjoyed a distinguished career as a left-back, representing several top European clubs, including Manchester United, Marseille and Juventus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During his time at Manchester United, he won five English Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League in 2008. He also represented and captained the France national team, making 81 international appearances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In his message, Evra concluded by calling for Rwanda\u2019s history to be remembered while safeguarding its future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRespect Rwanda. The past must never be forgotten, and the future must always be protected,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
My first day in Rwanda \ud83c\uddf7\ud83c\uddfc and I\u2019m not disappointed at all!
Whenever I travel, I feel it\u2019s important to understand the history of the country to truly understand its people. My visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial was deep, powerful and emotional. \u2764\ufe0f\ud83c\uddf7\ud83c\uddfc
I want to say sorry for\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/6009PJk3KF<\/a><\/p>— Patrice Evra (@Evra) September 2, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>