In 1983, Eric Cantona debuts as a professional footballer with French club Auxerre. Over three seasons he scores only twice in thirteen appearances and is loaned to Martigues. After returning to Auxerre in 1986 he scores 21 goals over two seasons. In 1987, he is heavily fined for punching his own goalkeeper; he also receives his first cap for France against West Germany.
In 1988, Cantona joins Marseille. He receives a one year ban from the French team for calling the national coach, Henri Michel, "one of the world's most incompetent trainers". He is later suspended by his club when, upon being substituded in a charity match, he kicks the ball into the crowd and throws his shirt at the referee. He joins Montepellier on loan where, in 1990, he is banned for 10 days after smashing his boot into the face of team-mate Jean-Claude Lemoult. He briefly returns to Marseille before signing for Nimes in 1991, but receives a three match ban for throwing the ball at the referee. At the French disciplinary hearing he calls each committee member 'idiot!' to their face, earning himself a further three month suspension - he announces his retirement from football.
On the advice on Michel Platini, Eric Cantona comes to England in 1992 where, after refusing a one week trial with Sheffield Wednesday, he joins Leeds United and wins the league championship in 1992. The following season he moves to Manchester United, winning the league championship again, but he is also fined £1,000 for spitting at a Leeds fan.
In 1994, Manchester United win the league and F.A. Cup, with Cantona scoring twice in the 4 - 0 Cup Final win over Chelsea. In 1995, when sent off at Selhurst Park, Cantona 'kung fu' kicks Crystal Palace fan Matt Simmons. He is sentenced in court to 120 hours' community service and banned from football worldwide for nine months. In 1996, Cantona is voted 'footballer of the year' by the football writers association following a further league/cup double with Manchester United. At the end of the 1997 season, Eric Cantona retires from football and begins a new career in acting.
In 1988, Cantona joins Marseille. He receives a one year ban from the French team for calling the national coach, Henri Michel, "one of the world's most incompetent trainers". He is later suspended by his club when, upon being substituded in a charity match, he kicks the ball into the crowd and throws his shirt at the referee. He joins Montepellier on loan where, in 1990, he is banned for 10 days after smashing his boot into the face of team-mate Jean-Claude Lemoult. He briefly returns to Marseille before signing for Nimes in 1991, but receives a three match ban for throwing the ball at the referee. At the French disciplinary hearing he calls each committee member 'idiot!' to their face, earning himself a further three month suspension - he announces his retirement from football.
On the advice on Michel Platini, Eric Cantona comes to England in 1992 where, after refusing a one week trial with Sheffield Wednesday, he joins Leeds United and wins the league championship in 1992. The following season he moves to Manchester United, winning the league championship again, but he is also fined £1,000 for spitting at a Leeds fan.
In 1994, Manchester United win the league and F.A. Cup, with Cantona scoring twice in the 4 - 0 Cup Final win over Chelsea. In 1995, when sent off at Selhurst Park, Cantona 'kung fu' kicks Crystal Palace fan Matt Simmons. He is sentenced in court to 120 hours' community service and banned from football worldwide for nine months. In 1996, Cantona is voted 'footballer of the year' by the football writers association following a further league/cup double with Manchester United. At the end of the 1997 season, Eric Cantona retires from football and begins a new career in acting.
