Just when you thought Eric Cantona couldn’t reinvent himself any more, he hits us with a bender from deep left-field. According to DailyMail, “Manchester United legend Eric Cantona is plotting a stunning bid for the French presidency. The Old Trafford favourite, who also enjoyed a spell with Leeds, needs to secure the backing of 500 elected officials by the end of February.” Click for more. 

This, from the DailyMail:

Cantona has written to French mayors outlining his credentials and asking for their support.

‘This engagement obliged me to speak, more earnestly than usual, but also with a keen sense of my responsibility, at a time when our country faces difficult choices which will be decisive for its future,’ said the letter.

In his letter, printed in the Liberation newspaper, Cantona expressed his strong feelings towards the social injustices experienced by the French nation, and by young people in general.

Election candidates will compete in a first round in late April, with the two biggest vote-winners going through to a decisive second round in early May.

Socialist candidate Francois Hollande is currently leading President Nicolas Sarkozy in the polls.

[more here]

Local radio man Rich Hardiman tweeted this: “Can see the campaign slogan now – “Cross it for OHH AHH Cantona!”