Manchester United icon Eric Cantona revealed that one legendary former player was his “childhood hero” and he even had a poster of him on his bedroom wall.
Eric Cantona had a legendary career at Old Trafford and the 57-year-old Frenchman is widely regarded as one of the best players in Manchester United’s history.
Sir Alex Ferguson snapped up the former United star from rivals Leeds United in 1992 after the Red Devils dropped a £1m fee to sign Cantona.
One of United’s legendary No 7s, Cantona became a larger-than-life figure at Old Trafford and will forever remain a cult hero at the Red Devils.
The former Leeds United player made a sensational impact at the Red Devils under Sir Alex Ferguson, who was captivated by Cantona’s brilliance on the pitch.
During his illustrious spell at Old Trafford in the 1990s, former Red Devils skipper Cantona lifted four Premier League titles and two FA Cups at United.
The eccentric United legend stunned iconic former manager Ferguson – and the whole world – when he announced his sudden retirement from football in 1997.
Cantona, who was only 30 at the time he hung up his football boots, has since actively pursued a career in music and even applied his hand at acting.
Man Utd legend Cantona on his childhood hero
Speaking to FourFourTwo magazine, Manchester United legend Eric Cantona was asked to build his ‘perfect’ XI with any players from the history of football.
The former France international constructed a formidable team, which included the likes of United legends Roy Keane and George Best.
Cantona’s perfect XI also had a place for legendary Dutchman Johan Cruyff, who is considered one of the best players of all time.
Johan Cruyff had a remarkable playing career at club level and created a long-lasting legacy during his spells at Ajax and Barcelona.
The ex-Barcelona and Ajax star had a prolific run with the Netherlands and has become synonymous with ‘Total Football’ alongside legendary former manager Rinus Michels.
Speaking on Cruyff, Cantona hailed the three-time Ballon d’Or winner as a “creator” and insisted that the Dutchman was at the “heart of a revolution with his football.”
“I loved the Dutch in the ’70s, they excited me and Cruyff was the best,” he said in 2006.
“He was my childhood hero; I had a poster of him on my bedroom wall. He was a creator.
“He was at the heart of a revolution with his football. Ajax changed football and he was the leader of it all.
“If he wanted, he could be the best player in any position on the pitch.”
Cantona on his admiration for Cruyff
Cruyff’s legacy extended well beyond his impact as a player on the pitch, with the legendary Dutchman making his mark as a manager as well.
The former Netherlands international, who passed away in 2016 at the age of 68, had successful spells in the dugout at both Ajax and Barcelona.
Cruyff was widely revered for his impact in the dugout at the Camp Nou, with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola recognising the influence he had on him.
Cantona revealed that he was going to pick Cruyff as a player-manager for his perfect XI, only for the United legend to name himself as head coach of the team.
“I was going to choose Cruyff as a player-manager because I loved his tactical brain,” he said.
“He was always thinking, he always wanted to improve his players. I know what his teams can do as I watched from the stands as his Barcelona side beat United 4-0 in 1994.
“But then I thought, ‘I picked the team, so I should manage them.’ I would love to take charge of this team. I know we would have some good times.”
