Patrice Evra has vowed to return stronger than even after he was banned for the rest of the season for kicking a fan before a Europa League game on 2 November.
It was the former Manchester United’s first public message after he was banned by his French side, Marseille, for the incident.
The Frenchman made the statement on his social media page on Instagram.
“I swear to God I will come back stronger than ever,” said the former France left-back.
“Sometimes life you can feel really heavy but you always have to keep smiling, and of course keep loving this game.”
With the ban, the 36-year-old will not play in any Uefa club competition, as well as domestic competitions.
He won five league titles with United, two Serie A and a Champions League crown and equally fined 10,000 euros ($11,650, £8,891).