Eric Cantona changed English football forever
Widely regarded as being the catalyst which sparked Manchester United’s dominance of the domestic game for the two decades that followed his arrival at Old Trafford, the Frenchman also became known for his philosophical outlooks – both on football and life in general.
Now, ahead of his UK Tour, here are ten of his best – if not most memorable – quotes:
“I am not a man; I am Cantona.”
Yes, some might view this as arrogance; others that Cantona is merely expressing his superhuman, god-like abilities. It probably depends on where your footballing allegiances lie, to be honest.
“I’m so proud the fans still sing my name, but I fear tomorrow they will stop. I fear it because I love it. And everything you love, you fear you will lose.”
Cantona’s connection with Manchester United is still strong, something he hopes will always remain the same.
“I didn’t study; I live.”
Making it clear that the greatest education available is life experience.
“I’m sure I will not die. I’ll be the first and I’m sure I will find a solution.”
Again, Cantona appeared to be under the impression that his special powers extended beyond the football field when speaking on JOE’s Unfiltered podcast.
“You can change your wife, your politics, your religion. But never, never can you change your favourite football team.”
Cantona speaking nothing but the truth on the strong bonds we form with our football clubs.
“After his first training session in heaven, George Best, from the right wing, turned the head of God who was filling in at left back.”
Cantona paying his own special tribute to the recently departed George Best in 2005. Also imagining God as a utility man, like a heaven-based John O’Shea.
“When the seagulls follow the trawler, it is because they think sardines will be throw into the sea.”
Following the infamous incident which saw him aim a kung-fu kick at Crystal Palace supporter in 1995, Cantona famously responded with a metaphor so deep that nobody – perhaps not even the man himself – fully understood.
And…
“My best moment? I have a lot of good moments but the one I prefer is when I kicked the hooligan.”
Probably not his most philosophical quote, but a clear sign that Cantona has no regrets over that night at Selhurst Park.
“He who has regrets cannot look himself in the mirror.”
Nice. And probably goes a long way to explaining why he doesn’t seem too remorseful about kicking the guy at Palace.
“I love to go to the coast and stand in the ocean. It is so strong. And we are nothing. We are so pretentious.”
Wow. Just wow. What a man.
