Well, well, who would have predicted that when Cantona came back to the game that he so loves, it would be to a US club and one which had folded? But that is today's big story: Eric Cantona is linking up with New York Cosmos. What a story in the making.
In many ways it is fitting that Cantona has been installed as Director of Football at this club, the one who back in the late 70s attracted the likes of Pele, Franz Beckenbauer, Johan Cruyff and Johan Neeskens.
Since he retired in 1997 after starring for Manchester United in the famous No.7 shirt, Cantona has taken up acting, which he fits in between playing Beach football. There will be those who question Cantona's decision to make this move, but surely it's a marketing masterstroke by Paul Kemsley, Alan Sugar's former advisor. Only time will tell what the future holds and hopefully this venture will prove to be a success for Eric and The New York Cosmos.
The story of the rise and fall of the New York Cosmos is without doubt one of the most amazing in the history of "soccer", not least because with the help of Henry Kissinger, the then US Secretary of State they attracted the great Pele.
No matter what happens at the Cosmos, the roller-coaster ride will never match the events of the late seventies. Check out these clips from what is arguably the finest ever Soccer documentary. Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos.
Eric Cantona is back - with New York Cosmos
This is one of the few times it is nice to live in NJ just outside of NYC. Maybe I'll get to see King Eric in person.
ReplyDeleteEvgenni,
ReplyDeleteSO whereabouts are you based?
Eric is perfect for NY Cosmos given the history of the club. I think it's going to be emotional. I hope he doesn't keep a low profile and makes us smile along the way.
James,
ReplyDeleteI live in a suburb of NYC just south of Newark. I live only about 15 minutes from the new MLS stadium for the Red Bulls.
I think Eric will be flamboyant and hopefully so to bring the attention to NYC. There have been rumors of a second MLS club in NYC and this may be the perfect fit. I would love to see him in the stands at a match. My first match at OT was just after he retired. I think it was a friendly between United and Inter. The fans all sang his name throughout the match. Ever since he has been a legend to me.
Evgenni,
ReplyDeleteOK I see. Did you go to the United game at the Giants stadium in NY in 2003? I was there - long story, but my 'mates' had my ticket, we got separated and so I had to evade security to get in...
Our fans always sing Eric's name and sometimes it gets on my nerves to be honest because I'd rather sing about those on the pitch, but they do so in reverence
to Eric... he's a funny guy and I'm sure he will give us some laughs along the way with his antics. Good to see him back involved.