Eric Cantona has stated that he is not surprised with his induction into the Premier League Hall of Fame class of 2021.
The Frenchman was selected to join a group of highly ranked players to have made a name in the English top flight.
Cantona joined Premier League legends, Thierry Henry, Alan Shearer and fellow Manchester United legend, Roy Keane to receive the division’s highest recognition.
The forward was involved in 126 goals in 156 appearances in the Premier League, scoring 70 times and recording 56 assists, as he also helped the Red Devils to four of their 20 league titles.
“The King” as he is fondly called is honoured to be voted into the Hall of Fame but reveals he was not surprised to be selected from the 23-man shortlist.
“We have nearly 30 players who could have been elected. Me, it’s different. If you have to elect one, it’s me. The other ones are all great… Me, I am exceptional!”
“I am very happy and very proud, but at the same time I am not surprised,” Cantona told the Premier League media in an interview.
“I would’ve been surprised not to be elected!
“I played football, I loved football, I dreamed about football as a kid.
“Playing in England was a dream, it was a dream for everybody, playing for the Premier League.
“I have been lucky to play in this team, with wonderful players, a wonderful manager and wonderful fans.
“We won and we really enjoyed, and it was the football I dreamed about because Manchester United, it’s a club where they want to win things but in a good way.
“It was like this in the time of Matt Busby, it’s the identity and philosophy of this club.”
Cantona was signed by Sir Alex Ferguson in November 1992. He has won four Premier League titles and also taken home a Player of the Month award.
