Eric Cantona wishes Sir Alex Ferguson could manage Manchester United ‘forever’.
He says he has to come to believe that Sir Alex’s stamina and enthusiasm for his work does not let him think that Fergie would step down – any time soon.
However, Cantona admitted that one fine day, he would love to manage United and he claims that nobody wishes to turn down such a job.
“Alex Ferguson is young, has so much energy, so much love of the game, so many things to give, more and more and more.
“And I love to watch them winning things and I want Ferguson to be manager for ever.
“He’s a winner, that’s why he has won so many things.
“It’s what is incredible with him, next game is like the first game of his career, and he gives you that – his passion, his love of the game, love of winning things.”
He was asked if he would like to take the job, he repeated his favourite quote, “When the seagulls follow the trawler, it’s because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea.”
He said: “I would say, ‘United is special, of course I would do it’. Today I’m with the New York Cosmos.
“But if one day there is an opportunity, why not? Like diving from here to the sea, watching, speaking to the fish, octopus, crabs, journalists.”
Cantona, who scored 64 goals in 143 appearances for United, is amazed at how strong Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes still are.
“Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes are different to me.
“When I was 20 I gave interviews and said if I lose the passion, the fire, I will stop and try to do something else. But those that still play and still have the fire, it’s good. I would have loved to have this fire forever and try to play forever. But I lost it and retired.”
A few days back, Wayne Rooney was compared to him and when questioned on this, he replied, “It is not the kind of thing you ask for. You have to earn it, but you need someone to drive you.
“I’m very proud of playing that role, it’s great. Alex Ferguson gave me freedom on the pitch, but I needed time. He created this role in what he had seen in me, in the player I was and personality I had.
“It also depends on the tactics of the team, and what he expects from players.”
Hello. And Bye.