London, Feb 13 : Manchester United captain Patrice Evra has revealed he is still scarred by the racism chants and taunts he suffered as a teenager.

Supporters singled out Evra during the start of his career in Italy and he became the victim of disgusting monkey chants when playing for Marsala in Serie C as a 17-year-old. From then onwards, Evra had promised himself that he would not tolerate any kind of racism ever in his life.

This was illustrated when he blew the whistle against Liverpool striker Luis Suarez, who racially abused him during a game in October.

 "I feel I am more of a man than most, because I have taken knocks on the field and off it. I learned that football is a world of sharks.

In Italy, people took photos of me when I arrived at the airport, not because I was Patrice Evra but because I was black," The Sun quoted Evra, as saying.

 He said admitted getting emotionally distraught but also taught him to become an adult from a boy. "I learnt to look after myself.

 There were times when I wanted to cry but it taught me to be tough and helped me become a man."

 "I was 17 and the only black player in Sicily. I tended to get quite angry and wanted to sort things out with my fists," he said. Evra cited one of the various racist incidents, which transpired during his time in Italy.

"I remember we played in Palermo once and every time I touched the ball 20,000 people would make monkey noises.

 I felt so alone. It''s terrible because it hurts your dignity," he said.

He was turned away by clubs such as Paris St Germain as a youngster and was spotted playing on trial at Torino before landing a club with Marsala in Sicily After just one season on the Italian island, Evra moved up a division to play for Monza but continued to suffer racism from the Serie B crowds. (ANI)