Following a latest announcement, Manchester United veteran Eric Cantona will be recognised by Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) for his contributions to the sport of football both on and off the field. The 53-year-old former striker will receive the 2019 UEFA President’s Award.
It is to be noted that this award acknowledges splendid achievements, professionalism and even takes into account personal qualities. The UEFA President’s Award has previously been given to players like Bobby Charlton, David Beckham, Alfredo Di Stefano, Johan Cruyff and Eusebio.
The former France International player Cantona will get the award in Monaco on Thursday. UEFA chief Aleksander Ceferin hailed Cantona for the positive and lasting impact he left on the sport of football. He also appreciated his extraordinary commitment to supporting charitable causes.
“This award not only recognises his career as a player of the highest calibre, but also honours him for the person he is – a man who refuses compromise, who stands up for his values, who speaks his mind and in particular puts his heart and his soul into supporting the causes he believes in,” Ceferin said in a statement.
“It will reward your magnificent playing career and the social commitment that you have displayed since you hung up your boots, it will cast a spotlight on the Common Goal initiative (a project to which you know I am also personally committed) and it will demonstrate that official institutions, like UEFA, also know how to honour those who give meaning to football,” the statement added.
Eric Cantona featured for Auxerre, Martigues, Marseille, Bordeaux, Montpellier and Nimes in France before making an entry into the English football circuit. In England, he played for Leeds United and Manchester United. Cantona is best remembered for helping United win their first trophy in 26 years in 1993. He went on to lift another three titles with Manchester United before announcing his retirement in 1997.