On this day in 1992, Manchester United decided to take a risk and sign Eric Cantona - the rest is history.
Let's go back in time and remember one of our favourite moments involving 'The King' himself.
In a special moment for everybody in the stadium that day, Cantona returned to the Old Trafford pitch during Soccer Aid 2018.
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The Manchester United legend managed the World XI side against England, but in the second half, the iconic Frenchman had enough of watching from the touchline and decided to make a memorable appearance.
So he drafted himself on by replacing Yaya Toure, and received a standing ovation from the United faithfuls. It was a moment he, and 70,000 fans, will never forget.
It was just glorious.
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There's too many Cantona stories to look back on. Sir Alex Ferguson's touching letter to Eric Cantona when he decided to hang up his boots prematurely in 1997 has to be one of them, mind.
The charismatic Frenchman was signed by Fergie in 1992 from Leeds for a dirt-cheap £1.2 million and they went on to win four Premier League titles and three FA Cups together - with Cantona notching 80 goals in his glittering five-year spell playing under the Scot at Old Trafford.
He was captain for his final season at United after Steve Bruce had departed the club, but made the shock announcement he was retiring from football completely at the end of the season at just 30 years of age.
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Given he appeared to have the capacity to play at a higher level for much longer, it took everyone by surprise but Ferguson supported his talisman's decision.
You often hear a lot being said about how Fergie and Cantona had a relationship that was comparable to that of a father and son and this heartfelt letter, printed in his book Leading, truly highlights the special bond they had, and continue to have.
In addition to talking about the club's summer and the man who replaced Cantona, Teddy Sheringham, Fergie also talks about not winning the Champions League, the club's strict wage structure and the hope of signing a young Cantona.
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He started off the letter by stressing the need for Cantona to remain fit and active and concluded it by inviting him to join him for a brew and a natter whenever.
"You are always welcome here and if you just pop in unexpectedly for a cup of tea, no fanfare, just for a chat as friends, that would mean more to me than anything," he writes.
"Eric you where I am if you need me and now that you are no longer one of my players, I hope you know you have a friend."
What a player he was.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Football News, Football, Manchester United, Soccer Aid, Eric Cantona, Old Trafford
