After months of ill-feeling following racism claims from Evra after the Premier League meeting between Liverpool and Manchester United in October, the France full-back was ready to end the feud on the return encounter at Old Trafford but Suarez snubbed him, earning himself widespread condemnation and forcing the Liverpool hierarchy to intervene.
"That game was the most pressure I've ever felt in my life - and all to do with shaking his hand," said Evra. "It was very difficult to decide what to do before the game. Many people would never try to shake his hand. But I tried and he refused."
He added: "For me, it was like, 'What's going on?' You see the first tackle, a tackle on Rio Ferdinand? If it was Suarez then I could have had a red card straight away and I'd have been off the pitch."
It would be fair to stay that the period around those initial racism allegations was hugely traumatic for Evra. Only a week later came a telephone call that stopped him in his tracks, news of the death of his 42-year-old brother.
"What's happened to me this year, personal things, have been really tough," said Evra. "I know people will think I'm only saying this because we've lost the title but this is the most difficult season I've ever had for Manchester United.
"Before the game against Manchester City in October my dad called to tell me I'd just lost my brother. Nothing can be more difficult than that, to find out before a big game. When you add the Suarez case as well, I am very proud of myself.
"I've been stronger mentally than ever before. To keep going and to play every game is just amazing. I know that's not the way a Manchester United player should talk when you don't win the league. It sounds like I'm finding an excuse. But it's the truth.
"I don't want to lie to people. This year has been so difficult."
"Sometimes bad things can happen to you in your life, but you need to keep a cool head and be strong," he said. "In your life you have good and bad experiences but the most important thing is how you react, and I think I reacted in a good way. That's why I'm proud of myself."
Source: PA
Source: PA