Patrice Evra Urges Juventus to Sign Former Manchester United Teammate Nani

Patrice Evra would relish a reunion with Manchester United winger Luis Nani at Juventus.

France international Evra was officially unveiled by the Serie A champions on Thursday after completing his move from Old Trafford for a reported fee of £1.5m.

Despite signing a one year contract extension earlier this summer, the 33-year-old chose to call time on his illustrious United career and take on a fresh challenge in Italy.

Juventus and United have often shared column space in recent months amid continued speculation regarding Arturo Vidal's possible move to the Premier League side, but marginalised winger Nani has also been frequently linked with a move in the other direction.

And Evra believes the presence of the Portuguese international would provide a telling boost to his new club's chances of retaining the Scudetto next term.

"He is a great player and it was a privilege for me to play with Nani," Evra said. "If Juve are interested in him, I can only say that Nani would be a great purchase."

The Portuguese international's chances under Louis van Gaal look bleak despite the club's pre-season tour not being over yet. The Dutchman's penchant for playing a 5-3-2 formation with no orthodox wingers suggests the player will have little role to play in such a system, with the likes of Antonio Valencia, Ashley Young and Wilfried Zaha already taking up new positions.

Nani also suffered the indignity of being substituted half an hour after coming off the bench himself in the club's recent 0-0 draw with Inter, which United won on penalties.

Evra meanwhile is ready to embark on a fresh start with the Bianconeri after being given permission to leave United after eight years. However, the left back has revealed that van Gaal was keen to retain his services and was ready to offer him the captain's armband – vacated by Nemanja Vidić – had he opted to stay.

"Manchester United wanted to keep me and they also wanted to give me the captain's band. Van Gaal was disappointed to see me go away, but I had already made a choice."