Eric Cantona » Featured

Cantona launches ‘presidential bid’ to highlight French housing crisis

Linus — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:39:17 +0000

Eric Cantona stunned fans across the World this morning with the relevation that he would be launching a bid for the French presidency. However, it has been revealed that it was a publicity stunt intended to draw more awareness on the French housing crisis.

Cantona’s gesture was revealed to be the latest in a string of highly effective publicity coups to raise awareness of the plight of poor people in France. Cantona’s letter to local politicians was in fact a call for them to sign a petition on the French housing crisis for the leading charity, the Abbé Pierre Foundation.

“He isn’t looking for signatures to be a candidate for the presidency, but to pass on the message of the Abbé Pierre foundation in support of better housing policy, and to make housing, which is a priority for French people, a priority for the presidential candidates,” Libération’s deputy editor, Paul Quinio, told the I-Tele news channel.

“I’m a committed citizen,” Cantona wrote in his appeal to mayors. “This engagement obliges me to speak up, more seriously than usual, but also with a keen sense of my responsibility, at a time when our country is faced with difficult choices.”

He added that getting the 500 mayors to sign up to his message on housing and poverty “would allow me to send a simple but clear message: a message of truth and respect”.

Vote for Cantona in Greatest Manchester United XI

Linus — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 09:22:00 +0000

The official Manchester United website is currently running a competition for fans to vote for the Manchester United Greatest Ever XI. Vote for Eric Cantona as the greatest Manchester United forward!

The competition will run from 11 August to 1 September, with five polls in which you can choose from a shortlist for each position to make up your all-time Reds XI: goalkeeper and centre-backs, full-backs, central midfielders, wingers, and forwards. Cantona is under the “forwards” category.

The line-up that fans select will be featured on an official, four-disc DVD collection, which will be released on 14 November. Voters will automatically be entered into a draw to win a money-can’t-buy prize.

The box-set will feature fans making the case for their picks and reliving memories of mighty performances on the pitch, alongside expert analysis from a panel of pundits and a detailed look at the club’s most memorable players.

Greatest Ever XI on ManUtd.com

Cantona at premiere for Switch

Linus — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 06:36:46 +0000

Spotted at: Gaumont Marignan cinema in Paris, France.

For: Movie Premiere for Switch.

Cantona Interview with BBC

Linus — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 00:00:22 +0000

Eric Cantona spoke to the BBC’s Dan Walker on Football Focus.

As well as talking about his new role with the New York Cosmos, Cantona touches on that infamous night at Selhurst Park.

The extended 10-minute interview can be seen in Football Focus on Saturday from 1215 on BBC One, so be sure not to miss it.

As promised by EricCantona.com, here are some excerpts from that interview!

Cantona talks about why he lashed out at Matthew Simmons, who still draws the ire of Cantona fans all over the World.

“When I did the kung-fu on the hooligan,” he said, “I did it because these kind of people don’t have to be in the game.

“I think maybe it’s like a dream for some people – to kick these kinds of people. So I did it for them. So then they are happy.

“It’s a kind of freedom for them. So I speak about that. Maybe they felt it. Something special, physically.”

Cantona conceded it was a mistake to allow his feelings to take control, resulting in an 8 month ban from football, but he added:

“I’ve seen so many players scoring goals. They know this kind of feeling, but this one? A player jump and kick a hooligan? It’s not the kind of thing you see every day.

“But, that’s life. That’s me. You take it or not. I’m strong enough to come back.”

Cantona also confessed that he does not know where any of his football medals are.

“I don’t care about the past. It was great but I don’t want to think about it. I want to look forward,” he said.

“I don’t know where my medals are. Nothing. No shirt. Nothing.

“I played for France 45 times. We got two shirts for every game, so that’s 90. I don’t have even one.

“You can feel very quickly a prisoner of your past. Of your memories. I prefer to be free and think about tomorrow.”

Finally, on the dying question every Manchester United fan wants to know about whether he would return to Manchester United.

“He is one of the greatest of all time all around the world. For more than 20 years he has stayed at the same club with different generations of players.

“I admire him. He is a great psychologist. he adapts himself to all generations of players. He is a kind of genius.

“I learned from him, but now I am a free bird with my own wings. Now I am involved with New York Cosmos.

“But we will see in the future.”

Cantona – Live in Singapore

Linus — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 00:00:57 +0000

That’s the end of our live coverage of Eric Cantona in Singapore, we hope you enjoyed our coverage and stay tuned to more details of the interviews, etc that Cantona gave out over the course of his stay in Singapore!

All times are in Singapore Time (SGT).
SGT is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, GMT +8.

Unconfirmed
Charity event at Mandarin Orchard Hotel

March 6, 2011
11:00: Official launch of New York Cosmos jersey (Umbro) at Weston branch @Queensway Shopping Centre.

March 5, 2011
10:28: Cantona arrives at the Courts Megastore @Tampines

March 4, 2011 (Scheduled)
14:30 – 15:30: Singapore Sports School

March 3, 2011

20:38: Ten lucky people get to have a group photo call with Cantona and Pele.

20:35: Cantona and Pele get onto the pitch during half-time of the S-League match between the Courts Young Lions & Geylang United.

18:15: Press conference ends and Cantona is off to a one-on-one interview with BBC.

18:05: The heat and humidity must be getting to Cantona; that’s another bottle of water down.

17:59: Reporting Live from the Jalan Besar Stadium where a press conference is being held for the announcement of the partnership between the New York Cosmos & Courts, and the official launch of the Courts Young Lions Fan Club.

17:42: Cantona arrives at the Jalan Besar Stadium in a Bentley.

09:53: Final wrap from Cantona indicates that the Q&A session should have started later. Even Pele commented that the last time he woke up so early was back in the army!

09:51: Cantona says it’s a dream for everybody to play for the New York Cosmos. Everybody he called accepted! Midas touch from the King and Pele!

09:50: The New York Cosmos All Stars will play a match in New York City on June 26, 2011. The team will be managed by Cantona.

09:47: Cantona on what technology he would use to improve the game – to use video technology for offside calls. With so many offside calls every week, using technology could relieve the pressure off referees, who are also afraid to make the wrong calls for fear of being ostracized.

09:42: Cantona poser on what he would do if he was appointed FIFA president – not the kind of thing he likes to do. Adds that he would prefer to lead a life of his own and being diplomatic is not ultimately his thing.

09:18: Cantona has been to New York & LA academies, seen some wonderful players of all ages. Wants to follow the great example set by Cruyff with Barcelona with grooming young players. Believes Barcelona are the strongest team in the World at the moment.

09:10: Cantona on why he decided to join New York Cosmos – New York Cosmos a special team and a big club in the USA. Added that it was a huge project with more great prospects coming through the academies and believes that USA will eventually one day win the World Cup.

08:34: Cantona takes his seat in the Marina Bay Sands ballroom

08:23: awaiting Cantona’s arrival in Marina Bay Sands ballroom

08:00: photo with Cantona!

EricCantona.com was able to cover Eric Cantona in Singapore with the kind assistance of the people from The American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore (AmCham Singapore), Vanda Sports Group & Fulford PR.

Cantona Arrives in Singapore

Linus — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 08:56:17 +0000

Eric Cantona has touched down in Singapore, alongside Pelé and Cobi Jones as they kick off The 2011 New York Cosmos Asia Tour.

Cantona is scheduled to attend a mix of events, starting with a Q&A session hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce at Marina Bay Sands on Thursday March 3, 2011. This will be followed by a press conference at the Jalan Basar Stadium prior to the Courts Young Lions S-League match vs. Geyland United. Cantona will meet the players and fans in a football fiesta event. Cantona will wrap up his visit by having an autograph session at the Courts Megastore @Tampines on Saturday March 5, 2011.

Other events Cantona will also be attending (no scheduled date/time):

A gala dinner with Singapore President S.R. Nathan and his wife in attendance, benefiting the Bone Marrow Donor Programme
Ribbon-cutting of a brand new soccer pitch being unveiled at the Singapore Sports School
An exclusive launch of the Umbro New York Cosmos home kit with leading soccer retailer Weston at their Queensway Shopping Centre Branch.

The New York Cosmos will also target Asia as they seek to gain more exposure across the World, which could see Cantona heading to more countries as their Director of Soccer.

“We are excited to be here to meet fans, players, partners, leaders and dignitaries – and to let everyone know that The New York Cosmos are back. We will continue to integrate Asia in all that we do, and look forward to returning to this region in the very near future,” said Paul Kemsley, Chairman of the New York Cosmos.

Stay tuned to live updates, photos and more as EricCantona.com attends the Q&A and press conference tomorrow!

Ask Cantona your Questions!

Linus — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 16:41:25 +0000

Do you have questions you have always wanted to ask Eric Cantona? Here is your chance!

EricCantona.com will be at various events during Eric Cantona’s visit to Singapore as New York Cosmos director of soccer, and we’ll be attempting to get some questions in to the King. Simply send your questions to us, and we’ll pick the best questions to ask!

Cantona Arrival in Singapore Confirmed

Linus — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 03:44:24 +0000

Singaporean retailer Courts has confirmed that Eric Cantona will be in Singapore from March 3 – 5 as part of New York Cosmos’ Asian Tour.

Cantona made a shock return to football with the New York Cosmos in January, after a long hiatus from doing anything related to football (beach football aside) since retiring.

Cantona, will first appear alongside Pelé and Cobi Jones at a breakfast session for delegates for the U.S.-Asia Pacific Regional Business Summit on Thursday. This will be followed by an appearance at the Jalan Besar Stadium with Pelé at a football fiesta where Courts will announce their partnership with the New York Cosmos.

Courts chief executive Terry O’Connor confirmed that Cantona, New York Cosmos director of soccer, will be in Singapore alongside Brazilian legend Pelé, “I am delighted that our commercial team has secured a prestigious partnership with The New York Cosmos, particularly in bringing legends Pelé and Cantona to Singapore,”.

Lucky fans at the football fiesta will have the opportunity to win special prizes as well as meet Cantona and Pelé. Courts Young Lions fan club members will get priority seating, additional chances to meet with the Cantona and Pelé as well as other special treats.

Cantona and Pelé were originally scheduled to attend the Singapore League match between the Young Lions and Geylang United on March 3 but a rescheduled Olympic Qualifier against Yemen has seen that fixture postponed.

Cantona will be engaged in activities promoting Cosmos on March 4 but will visit the Courts Megastore at Tampines on Saturday where he will meet fans and sign autographs.

Courts and The New York Cosmos will also further discuss a collaboration opportunity for a potential match to be played in Singapore later this year or early next year – featuring players from around the world invited by Cantona and Pelé to participate in an all-star competition.

Cantona Interview: New York Cosmos, ‘Gandhi’ Ferguson and more

Linus — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 12:50:10 +0000

Were there aspects of your professional football career that prepared you for your life as an actor?
I’ve always wanted to act. On the pitch, it’s a kind of acting. First you learn to walk, then you find your spontaneity.

You were very theatrical on the field in so many ways. Is it something oh so French?
Was it theater? Yes. Old Trafford is the Theater of Dream. Sometimes people ask me different questions about players and acting. I started to think about it and there is a lot and found a lot of similarities. It’s not just a game, you play on the set, the pitch. I’ve always wanted to play and see beautiful football, but winning was always very important.

Who are your favorite directors?
[Jean-Luc] Godard is one. Fabulous. Today, Jérôme Bonnell, who is not very well known, even in France. He’s very good. His films are very special. I’ve never worked with him, but admire his films.

You were the star, the alter ego in the recent film “Looking for Eric.” It looked like a perfect role for you.
I wanted to do the movie and [director] Ken Loach was on our list. I met with him and he was very happy with the possibility to work on the same story. If you ask 100 directors you will get 100 different films. But our ideas were very close with Ken Loach. I was very happy with the film. I got to meet all these people and, of course, he was a wonderful director. It was most important to work with great people. There was humility and humanity.

What do you think the biggest change in the game has been since you last played for Manchester United?
Many things have changed, that’s expected. I think that TV is involved more and more. With the sponsors, there’s more and more money. The players are in the middle, and they take their part.

I think there is talk of this every time. In my time, people said players earned too much money. But me, when I was a child, I just dreamed of playing, being the best player and playing for the best team. I became very rich through football. I’ve got my memories of great moments with great clubs.

What were some of your greatest moments in the game?
They were all with United. With United, I played my best level, when I was between 26 and 30. I spent my best years at Manchester United with some of the world’s greatest players. [Alex] Ferguson is one of the best managers of all time. I was very lucky. And it was the type of game that United played, yes, winning, but it was something I enjoyed.

For me, the greatest moment was when we won the double [the Premier League and F.A. Cup titles in 1995-96] with a new generation of young players

You were among the first wave of players from outside Britain to star in the Premier League. Was it a challenge?
Well, for example, when I first went to England I spent a week on trial with Sheffield Wednesday. I thought I was there to sign a contract, but after a week on trial with Wednesday they asked me to stay for one more week. I mean, I had already played for France, how can you imagine playing for France and having to stay on trial with Wednesday? In this time, no one knows French players and no one cared. I don’t think that people realize how it was in that time for a foreigner in England.

English football at the time thought it didn’t need foreign players. It was a kind of arrogance. The worst thing is to one day realize that maybe you need foreign players to succeed. Now I think there are too many, it’s the opposite. Too many foreign players in the clubs, and I think the clubs should work for the national team. With me and the Cosmos, we work hard with the academies working for the club and for the national team.

I’ve seen some stories that said you are staying away from Manchester United until the Glazers are no longer the owners. Is that true?
All I will say is that I think Ferugson will stay as the manager, after that, there will be more problems. Today, he is like Gandhi on the game side.

Are there any entertainers in the game today who have your attention?
I don’t want to sound like an old man. In every generation, you have players you think are the best players with a strong personality. If you have that strong personality you are an entertainer, but now, with different attitudes. But somebody quiet can be charismatic and can be an entertainer, like [Lionel] Messi.

Which players and which teams do you like to watch now?
I prefer to say Barcelona and Manchester United. As teams, they are entertaining.

With Manchester, I prefer to say, to think, to realize that Ferguson is a kind of genius. He had so many different generations of players now. He’s 70 and works with players 18 years old but adapts himself to all generations. This one is especially different. With [Dimitar] Berbatov, he worked hard and waited because he knew he had a great player.

Ferguson takes strong personalities and works with them psychologically. It is very important. It worked for me, 100 percent. It was for the team. I accepted everything because he gave me freedom on the pitch. He gave me the No. 7 shirt and it became important to me though I might not have realized its importance in the beginning. I never felt the pressure. He had a kind of confidence in me to give me the No. 7. It was an honor.

Other than playing in the Beach Soccer World Cup, you have basically been out of the game for the last 14, 15 years. How did you get interested in joining this Cosmos project?
Around Christmastime, the club called my brother, who works with me, and explained they wanted me to be part of their project. I knew the story of the club. It is very important for me. I didn’t want to go if the idea for the club is different from what it was. I liked the project. I have a strong image of this club, that it was something special in football that was a mixture of everything.

I like this idea of player development here and I think there are many, many players now in the U.S. I’m sure that before 20 years the U.S. will win the World Cup because players like Franz Beckenbauer and Pelé came here. Young players started to look after them and became interested in the sport and started to play soccer. I don’t think they get enough credit for the great job for development of the sport they did here. I think the Cosmos helped people realize that football could be an art form.

You truly believe the U.S. will win the World Cup within 20 years?
Yes. I am sure. The U.S. wins the World Cup and the Cosmos will do a great job in the academies and give the national team its best players. We already have good players in the academy, I’ve seen kids 8, 9 years old that are great. There are 18 million kids playing soccer in the U.S.

The U.S. played very, very well in the World Cup in South Africa. They are not ready to win a World Cup now, but I think they have improved every time. Now they are quicker and better skilled than in previous years. And yes, I believe they will win the World Cup.
Q.

You are among a number of players who, like George Best, never got to represent their country in the World Cup. Is that a source of disappointment for you?
I achieved a lot of things in my career and I cannot think about the disappointments. I prefer to think about the good things and I had a lot. When I started to play, I wanted to win everything, but then you realize you cannot. What is most important is to try and win and play your best game every time. Sometimes you win. Sometimes you don’t give 100 percent. Sometimes you’re lucky. Sometimes not. Luck is important.

What does this job with the Cosmos mean to you?
It’s about creating something. I have my own vision of the game and will try to bring it here and win. Ajax in the ’70s created something. [Johan] Cryuff at Barcelona created something, a new revolution. The Cosmos can create something, too, that’s never been seen. Every 20, 30 years there is a new movement. You have to look to history and take inspiration from things and use them to create your own future. I came here with this kind of idea.

It is about the style of coaching and young players. We want to be successful and to do that you need to be physical, technical and the best mentally. To have tactics that nobody can understand. It took so many years for people to understand Cruyff at Barcelona because the first season he got there he didn’t use an attacking player up front. There were people on the wings up front and up until then he was the only one in history to do that.

He played to his style and made the other teams adapt. It means you control the game.

You are coming here with those ideas in mind, but how much do you know about M.L.S. and the way it works? And does any lack of knowledge worry you? Of course, this is all assuming that the Cosmos end up with a team in the league.

Yes, I don’t know M.L.S. very well, but I have Cobi [Jones] with the Cosmos and he’s a resource. I want to learn more about the league and will work very hard, watching games, tapes. And I think I will know very well and quickly. I realize I need to learn things.

I think he was surprised by the player I was and became because no one knew what to expect from me. It’s better to surprise. Otherwise it becomes boring.

Cantona set to visit Singapore

Linus — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 15:38:24 +0000

Eric Cantona is set to visit Singapore in March as part of his ambassadorial role as director of soccer at New York Cosmos.

Local retailer Courts has earmarked for Cantona and Pele to appear at a local Singapore League game featuring the Courts Young Lions.

This is set to be Cantona’s first visit to the city state. The itinerary for their trip has not been confirmed due to the fact that the Young Lions have not finalized their S-League match, as the Yemen – Singapore Olympic qualifier, of which a few Young Lions are playing in has been postponed due to unrest in Yemen.

Pele is honorary president at the New York Cosmos, who are clamouring for a return to Major League Soccer.

Stay tuned to EricCantona.com for more details of Cantona’s schedule!