The Wonderful Letter Sir Alex Ferguson Sent To Eric Cantona After His Retirement From Football

Sir Alex Ferguson's touching letter to Eric Cantona when he decided to hang up his boots prematurely in 1997 has been doing the rounds again.

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.

Image: PA

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.

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.

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."

The dynamic duo have remained in close contact, with Cantona recently sending his former boss a message of support after it emerged he required emergency surgery in May.

As the 52-year old predicted, the legendary manager made a full recovery and sent a special message to the medical staff Salford Royal and Alexandra hospitals, as well as fans for their overwhelming support.

Topics: Football News, Football, Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson, Premier League, Eric Cantona

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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