Classic and Retro Eric Cantona Football Shirts

"Collar turned up, back straight, chest stuck out, Eric glided into the arena as if he owned the place." - Roy Keane.
 
One of football's greatest icons, charisma, controversy and chaos were three things that always followed Eric Cantona wherever he went.
 
His football career began in 1981 signing youth forms with Auxerre and would go on to make his debut for 'AJA' two years later. The young forward certainly hit the ground running netting 23 goals in 82 Ligue 1 matches, with a spell out on loan with Martigues in 1985. 
 
It was during a match for Auxerre that sides in England took notice of a young Cantona, having played a UEFA Cup game against Liverpool, the Anfield side were given the option to sign the Frenchman, but declined. He would also have trials with the likes of Sheffield Wednesday. 
 
Cantona had joined Marseille in 1988 and during a three year spell won himself a league title and French Cup, but was loaned out to the likes of Montpellier and Bordeux. Before he landed in England, Cantona had already got himself into hot-water, having been banned from playing for the French National Team for 12-months after inslulting the first team coach on television. He was suspended for a 'kung-fu' kick on an opponent (more of that later), banned for kicking a ball at a fan and for ripping his shirt off after being substituted.
 
His last spell in France was with Nimes in 1991 scoring just twice in 17 games, and a year later he made his way to British shores.
 
The tempremental Frenchman signed for Leeds United in 1992 making 15 appearances in their First Division title winning season, although he scored just three goals he was a major influence on the Whites taking the league honours. 
 
He continued with Leeds and played a part in the new look 'Premier League' but would eventually earn himself a dream move, but not without it's controversy.
 
One of Leeds' biggest rivals Manchester United swooped in for Cantona in November 1992, signing the extravegant striker for £1.2 million. It began five years of 'King Eric' where he went on to become a legend of Old Trafford. 
 
Collar up, cool demeanor he became the first player you think of when thinking back to Manchester United during the 1990's. 
 
His original number was 10 when he made his debut against Benfica in a match to commemorate the 50th birthday of Eusabio, but of course he went on to take the legendary United number seven a year later. 
 
During his first season with the Red Devils, he was never too far from being on not just the back pages, but the front as well. When he returned to Elland Road to face Leeds United, he spat at a supporter and was fined £1,000. United lost just twice when Cantona played and went on to win their first title in 26 years.
 
Cantona's most famous moment came during the 1994/95 season as United travelled to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace. Following abuse from the crowd aimed at the Frenchman after being sent off for kicking out at a Palace player, Cantona 'Kung-Fu' kicked a supporter in the crowd. Cantona faced not only action from the FA but also the criminal courts, who initially ordered two-weeks in prison, but he eventually served 120 hours of community service. He most famously said during a press conference following the incident in front of a full room of journalists "When the seagulls follow the trawler, it's because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea, thank you very much" before abruptly leaving.
 
He went on to retire in 1997 after scoring 64 Premier League goals in almost 150 games for United at the age of 30. He had won four Premier League titles and two FA Cup winners medals. He also made 45 appearances for France scoring 20 goals which is often overlooked beyond the madness.
 
He has since gone into acting and between 2010 and 2012 was director of Soccer for the New York Cosmos. 
 

 

Sorry, we do not currently have any products that match your criteria. Please try again later or try a broader search.