"One of my happiest memories is playing in Italy, even if I play for Manchester United," said the former Marsala and Monza starlet.

"That was my first professional contract at the age of 17 and the people in Sicily were so warm, like a big family. I have many Italian friends still and my agent is Italian."

Evra impressed at the Stadio Olimpico this evening when United defeated Roma 2-0 in the Champions League quarter-final.

"Tonight we really wanted to do well. We don't normally get great results away from home in the Champions League, but we were very concentrated and focused on the task at hand.

"We had a great deal of respect for our opponents, as some said we were already qualified before playing the first leg.

"Let's not forget the 7-1 was an accident and Roma are a wonderful team that eliminated Real Madrid."

According to Evra's interview with Sky Italia television, this was an unusually focused away performance from the Red Devils.

"We always tend to 'relax' on our travels, as it is so difficult for others to win at Old Trafford, but this time we went out there to win and not looking for a draw.

"People say we're already qualified, but for me it is still 50-50, as Roma play better away from home and Francesco Totti could be back too."