August 28 – Former France and Manchester United forward Eric Cantona has been selected for this year’s UEFA President’s Award and will collect it at a special ceremony in Monaco tomorrow on the day of the Champions League draw.
The President’s Award recognises outstanding achievements, professional excellence and exemplary personal qualities and UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin said he chose Cantona for his commitment to improving the lives of others following his retirement
“This award not only recognises his career as a player of the highest calibre, but also honours him for the person he is,” said Ceferin. “[He is] a man who refuses compromise, who stands up for his values, who speaks his mind and, in particular, puts his heart and his soul into supporting the causes he believes in.”
Cantona retired aged 30 in 1997 and, after turning his hand to beach soccer and acting, has been committed to helping charitable causes.
Previous winners of the award include David Beckham, Johan Cruyff, Bobby Charlton, Franz Beckenbauer, Bobby Robson and Paolo Maldini.
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