“He loved life, but... he was always focused” - When Eric Cantona commented on Manchester United legend who battled with alcoholism

Eric Cantona once spoke about Manchester United legend George Best who was known for his battle with alcoholism off the field. He heaped praise on the northern Irishman, insisting that he was always sharp on the pitch despite his lifestyle outside of football.

George Best is widely considered the greatest player in the club's history. The former winger played an instrumental role at Old Trafford during the 60s and 70s, showcasing his extraordinary talent.

He won a host of accolades during his time at Manchester United, including two First Division titles, the European Cup, and the FA Cup. Best also won the Ballon d'Or back in 1968 at just 22 years of age.

Best battled with alcoholism throughout his adult life that eventually led to his death in 2005 at the age of 59.

Fast forward to 1992, a 26-year-old Cantona had made his switch to Manchester from Leeds United for a reported £1 million fee. The Frenchman went on to enjoy a successful career at Old Trafford, playing a key role in the club's success during the 90s under Sir Alex Ferguson.

In an interview in 2006, a year after Best had passed away, Cantona spoke about the northern Irishman as a player and his activities off the pitch. The former Manchester United striker said (via United in Focus):

“He was a free spirit and had such charisma. With George and the rest of these players, I am sure we would have a lot of fun on the team bus!"

"He loved life, but when it came to the game he was always focused. He gave everything he had to win. Yes, he left Old Trafford early, but he started at a young age and left so many great memories.”

Cantona won four Premier Leagues and two FA Cups during his time at Manchester United.

When Eric Cantona explained why Cristiano Ronaldo's second stint at Manchester United failed

Eric Cantona once gave his two cents on Cristiano Ronaldo's less-than-amicable exit from Manchester United during his second stint at the club. The Frenchman believes Ronaldo should've accepted being benched for certain games given his age.

Ronaldo returned to Old Trafford in 2021 from Juventus and had an excellent campaign that season, scoring 24 goals for the Red Devils. However, in the 2022-23 season, the Portuguese superstar had a falling out with former manager Erik ten Hag.

This led to an explosive interview with Piers Morgan in which Ronaldo hit out at the Dutch boss and the club's hierarchy which ended in his contract being voided by mutual consent.

Speaking in an interview in January 2023 with Samuel Luckhurst (via Manchester Evening News) about their high-profile split, Cantona said:

"He came back here and United wasn't the United he left and sometimes he doesn't realise things changed. So maybe he was surprised so many things changed."

"He's just older and he should have realised that instead of being not happy to play some games, say, 'okay, I am not 25 years old, I cannot play every game, but I will help the young players and accept that situation and that's my situation'."