There are probably… a thousand reasons why the Eric Cantona considered legendary. Both on and off the playing field. His raised collar, his political statements, his interests, his culture and of course the kick at the racist far-right Crystal Palace fan have gone down in history. This kick, however, also had ramifications.
It was January 25, 1995 when Mr Eric Cantona clashed with her Kung Fu kicks the Crystal Palace fan, which, as it turned out later, was his name Matthew Simmons and participated in gatherings of far-right organizations. Also, many publications claimed at the time that had attacked immigrantswho lived in London.
However, the story after the kick is also very interesting: Cantona never disclosed what this particular fan had told him, instead he made the situation even more complicated with a statement a few weeks later.
“When seagulls follow trawlers, they do so because they think the sardines will be thrown back into the sea“, he had said at the official press conference, held by Manchester United, in order to provide… explanations for the incident. Of course, only explanations were not given. Cantona said that line, drank some water and left, never revealing what he meant!
The Frenchman, when he received questions to explain his statement, said: “I mean what I mean”, thereby keeping a veil of mystery around the occasion, as well he continued not to disclose nor the words he heard from Simmons.
However, the fullness of time has come. During his appearance on the French show “C dans l’air” this week, Cantona revealed nearly 30 years later what did he mean by his legendary statement about seagulls and sardines!
“After the court decision, Manchester United absolutely wanted me to speak to the press. I didn’t want to, but they told me it was important to do it. I said, “okay, I’ll talk.”
They wanted me to speak, and I spoke. That phrase just came out to me and then I was gone. Then the press, everybody, tried to make it all philosophical. You know, it just came out that way. Maybe it came from my subconscious and maybe it unconsciously created a feeling, but the best feeling was, “you make me talk, so I talk and who cares if the words make sense”.
You know, the press destroyed me. But somehow I got my revenge. Everyone was trying to find a meaning and everyone asked me to explain and I said nothing“, he said.
Source: Sport Fm
I am currently a news writer for News Bulletin247 where I mostly cover sports news. I have always been interested in writing and it is something I am very passionate about. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family and friends.
