This is a surprise.
Eric Cantona was a great footballer who played alongside some great footballers.
The former Manchester United striker was a role model for the Class of ’92, and linked-up wonderfully well with Ryan Giggs, who Paul Scholes said was the best footballer he played alongside.
Yet, Cantona didn’t select Giggs, or any of the Class of ’92, when asked who was the greatest played he lined-out alongside.
The Frenchman scored the winning goal in the 1996 FA Cup against Liverpool. However, if it wasn’t for Roy Keane’s dominant performance in midfield that day, Cantona wouldn’t have been in the position to win the game.
But, Cantona didn’t select the Irishman either, or any United or France player when asked to name his favourite former teammate at a question and answer event in Bournemouth on Thursday night.
The 50-year-old opted for a former Leeds United and Liverpool midfielder.
According to the Mirror, fans yelled out the names of United legends, such as Keane, Scholes and Giggs, but Cantona smiled and said: “Gary McAllister.”
McAllister and Cantona were teammates at Leeds United and won the First Division title in 1992, before Cantona left for United in November of that year.
The Scot was a gifted player, and showed his class with Liverpool when they won the FA Cup, the League Cup and the UEFA Cup in 2001. However, Cantona choosing him as the greatest footballer he played alongside will surprise United fans.
Cantona was also asked about his infamous kung-fu kick on Crystal Palace supporter Matthew Simmons in 1995, which earned the Frenchman an eight-month ban.
It’s safe to say, the United legend doesn’t regret his actions.
“I’ve said before I should have kicked him harder, but maybe tomorrow I’ll say something else,” Cantona said.
“I cannot regret it. It was a great feeling. I learned from it — I think he (Simmons) learned too.”
