Dubai: Among the greats churned out by coach Guy Roux at AJ Auxerre was a certain Eric Cantona. Roux paints a completely different picture of Cantona, who is usually known for his flair and temper.
"Possibly, he [Cantona] is one of the players who is totally misunderstood," Roux said.
"He has a heart of gold. He is such a caring person, who is simply passionate about all what he does," he added.
Roux recalled the time when Cantona was growing up as a footballer at AJ Auxerre and his temperamental ways were well-known even during that period. "Eric would train and then at the end of the day, he would come and sit with me in my office. That was the player and gentleman I have known over so many years," Roux said.
Adored at Manchester United where he ended his career, Cantona went on to climb the summit with the Red brigade, winning four Premier League titles in five years along with two League and FA Cup doubles.
"I attended one of his last matches with Manchester against Dortmund and I asked Sir Alex Ferguson for permission to speak with Eric to see if he could get him to change his mind on retirement. He told me that after 19 years in football, he has reached his peak and there are no further challenges remaining for him. He told me he has enough money and he would rather spend the next 19 years in a new career of acting in theatre," Roux recollected.
"But I knew the secret. Eric was heavy. His weight had gone up to 83kgs and he knew it would be difficult for him on the field. He loved cheese," Roux joked.
Cantona did take up a career in cinema following his retirement from football. He played a role in the 1998 film, Elizabeth, starring Cate Blanchett and the 2009 film, Looking for Eric. And in 2010, he debuted as a stage actor in Face au Paradis, a French play directed by his wife Rachida Brakni.
"Before moving on to theatre and cinema, he told me he was ready to work hard in this field as well, even if it meant spending the next 19 years mastering it," Roux said.
"We are still great friends till now."
