Handshake 'no problem' for Evra

Juventus defender Patrice Evra confirmed he will shake Luis Suarez's hand before the Champions League final with Barcelona, despite their troubled past over a racism row.

Suarez was banned for eight matches after being found guilty of racially abusing Evra during their time at Liverpool and Manchester United respectively.

"I am proud to be what I am, I am proud about my color and I will shake his hand, it is no problem, but I will make sure he will feel me on the pitch," said the Frenchman.

Barca is favored to win its fifth European Cup with its star front three of Suarez, Lionel Messi and Neymar having scored 114 goals between them this season.

However, despite it being Juventus' first Champions League final in 12 years, Evra believes it has the experience to stop Barca's dream for a treble.

"People forget Juventus is a team with a lot of players that have already won the Champions League. They played in other finals too, like myself, this is my fifth final.

"I believe in everything because if I don't believe we can win against Barcelona, I would ask the manager not to play me."

Juventus booked its place in the final with a 1-1 draw at Real Madrid on Wednesday.

Former Real striker Alvaro Morata came back to haunt his old side as, having already scored in the first leg, he notched the vital away goal for the Italian champion after Cristiano Ronaldo had opened the scoring from the penalty spot.

"We have fought so hard to get here but this does not end here. We want to win the final and make history, but we're very happy," said Morata.

"I didn't celebrate the goal, I was never going to. It was a bittersweet and strange sensation for me. These two games have been difficult for me. I want to thank the Madrid fans, I wish I had scored against another team.

"My former teammates want us to win and they wished me the best.

"Just like in Turin, it was hard for me at times tonight but I had to focus my head quickly. That's what soccer is like."

Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri agreed, saying: "It was a difficult match because Madrid has so much strength up front. If you are not concentrated they will punish you.

"We had a lot of chances in which we lacked the final pass. We deserved to be in the final because the boys grew as the game went on."

(China Daily 05/15/2015 page19)