Manchester United legend

Chapter 113 Chapter 110 Chapter Three

Cantona's retirement was sudden but irrevocable.For Manchester United, the loss caused by Cantona's retirement is difficult to calculate.

The departure of the King of Old Trafford means the end of an era, the end of an era where Manchester United easily dominated the Premier League.

Not only that, Cantona's farewell also took away the attention and love of countless Cantona fans for Manchester United. How many fans who admired him for his rebelliousness and conquest, independent and wise and pure, followed him from then on, and abandoned Manchester United.

Cantona's departure caused Manchester United's combat effectiveness to weaken, and it would not be filled until the next season.

Cantona's departure caused Manchester United fans to lose their spirits until they could never make up for it-after that man like a king, Manchester United has no Cantona!

Much later, Gary Neville's memoirs in his column told us something about Cantona.

This also allows us to observe and analyze Cantona's mentality.

Gary Neville remembers that it was a day in December 1996, and the Manchester United team came to the Bulls Head Bar for a drink.

Cantona sat with Gary and Beckham, clinking glasses and drinking with several young people.

At that time, Gary and the others were in awe of him. Of course, the whole team was afraid of him-it was a kind of fear with looking up and worshiping.

The strange thing is that Cantona got drunk that day, and after drinking a lot, he yelled that Manchester United would become the king of Europe.

"United, we will win the Champions League, and Manchester United will become the king of Europe." At that time, Cantona said to Gary so seriously, he stared at Gary and Beckham and said, "We will conquer Europe, and we will win the Champions League."

Cantona was full of alcohol, but these words he said were not drunk.Gary was completely taken aback, "King of Europe?!" Beckham's eyeballs were about to pop out.

Is this a solemn slogan?Great goal?Or take an oath?Or bragging? !Gary wanted to curl his lip, but didn't dare.

In his heart, he really didn't think about European competitions.The Premier League title, the FA Cup, the League Cup, Manchester United is enjoying themselves, the European Champions Cup?Let's wait and see.Conquer Europe?
Gary really didn't think about it, that was the goal of someone like Cantona-it obviously looked as unattainable as Mount Everest.

Gary secretly slandered in his heart: The last time Manchester United reached the top of Europe?That goes back to 1968, the days of bell bottoms and George Best.

At that time, Manchester United had Best, Charlton, and Dennis Law. At that time, the coach of Manchester United was Busby. At that time, English football was enough to rival the European powers. In 1966, England also won the World Cup.

But what is the Premier League in Europe now?Football stars were attracted to Italy and Spain.

How old is this Manchester United team in Europe?Premier League champions?It's not enough to make the world shudder, it's more likely to make the world laugh.

The reality is indeed the case. Just before and after Cantona drank, Manchester United stumbled all the way in the Champions League group stage, bumped into ashes everywhere, and was often taught a lesson.

Manchester United's loss to Fenerbahce is considered a shameful game, not only shameful, but also the club's 40-year unbeaten record.Against European champions Juventus?They were beaten badly in two rounds.

Gary said, "After all the European games I played later, I still think that game is the most memorable. Juventus was unbelievably good that year. Just standing next to them in the tunnel is scary.

I have never faced such a difficult team, no matter from which point of view, they are far better than us.

We lost 0:1 in Turin, it should have been 0:10.We were like boys versus men, we played 90 minutes without a single shot on goal, without a single chance.

This is the only time in my 602 games.In that game, Cantona's face turned blue, and I knew it was difficult for him to accept: Juventus directed Manchester United's game condescendingly, which made Cantona feel ashamed and heartbroken.

The defeat couldn't have been worse and Gary went back to the dressing room thinking it was Giggs' worst night ever.

But the biggest loser in life should be Cantona-he may feel that he is completely unable to catch up with his opponent's level and will never be able to surpass his opponent.

And Juventus was the Champions League champion last season, which may be the best test standard for Cantona, but the result is desperate: Manchester United is still far behind!
Gary Neville knew that Cantona thought highly of himself and was a proud man.

He didn't believe that he was worse than Del Piero, he didn't believe that he was inferior to Vieri, and he didn't believe that he was no better than Zidane, even though he still suggested Ferguson to buy this future star.

Manchester United was taught by Juventus in this way, but Cantona always believed that he would have a chance to overthrow his opponent in the future.

Although Manchester United lost in the later game, they did have the upper hand on the scene. Cantona's outstanding performance was the most important thing. That game was indeed as Cantona thought. Manchester United could challenge a team like Juventus!

Unfortunately, what lies in front of Cantona is an insurmountable obstacle.

In the eyes of guys in their 20s like Gary, time is almost limitless.

As far as Eric is concerned, he has little time and opportunity to prove that he can rule Europe.

Gary didn't know that this year's Champions League was what Cantona believed was his last and best chance-Cantona had put all his pride on winning the Champions League.

In the end, Manchester United needed to beat Rapid Vienna away in the final game of the group stage before Manchester United could advance to the knockout stage. Cantona broke out completely and finally won the chance to advance.

At that time, Cantona in Gary's eyes was like a god-he was radiant, he conquered opponents, he ruled everything!
Manchester United stumbled into the knockout rounds, and Gary and the others had no extravagant expectations. "Eric's idea that Manchester United is the best team in Europe seems somewhat ambitious."

Top 8?That was certainly not Cantona's goal. Cantona insisted on encouraging his teammates. He held more meetings in the dressing room than Ferguson did.

Cantona talked to everyone in the Manchester United team, making everyone answer him loudly under his gaze, "We can win the Champions League!"

Going back and forth like this, Gary felt that Cantona was a little crazy at that time.

When did confidence come from?When Manchester United beat Porto 4-0, Gary felt that everyone believed Cantona's words.

Manchester United actually won that game very easily. The Red Devils relied on counterattacks to tear through the opponent's defense. Ryan Giggs and Andy Cole galloped forward at a speed of 100 miles per hour. Sports cars VS carriages!In the final stage of the game, Gary felt that everyone was full of confidence!

In Gary's memory, when Manchester United entered the Champions League semi-finals and faced Dortmund, their teammates were not afraid, even if they were the Bundesliga champions.

"We had three great chances in the Dortmund first leg. Butt hit the post, Eric Cantona went wide from 15 yards and Beckham was blocked on the line with a chance just a millimeter from the goal. We deserved better than 0-1."

Gary said, "Even if Jost got a yellow card in Germany and was suspended for the second leg, we still had a reason to give it our all.

Boss put Eric behind Andy Cole and Solskjaer, arranged a three-forward attacking formation, and strengthened the attack.

Rickon gave Dortmund the lead with the first shot though, now we need three goals!
But we didn't give up and created an unbelievable amount of chances.

The best chance went to Cantona, but Dortmund's Jurgen Kohler blocked the ball's path and eventually Cantona's shot hit him and missed the goal.

The stoppage of the Champions League was a heavy blow to Cantona. Gary knew the seriousness of this matter. "Cantona took off his jersey early that day and sat shirtless in the locker room without saying a word. Even when the lights were turned off in the locker room, he was still there in a daze."

Later, Manchester United succeeded in defending the Premier League title, and the players met at the hotel to celebrate. Gary also found that Cantona was still absent-minded and a little sullen, "He has been like this since we were out of the Champions League.

We soon found out that the loss to Dortmund, and the way it was lost, must have had a huge impact on Cantona.

We weren't beaten by a great team, we just didn't take our chances.By a hair's breadth.

There are many factors for losing, and luck is one of the key ones. No one blames Eric, except maybe himself.That season he put his mind on the European war.

He has dominated the English league and he hopes to take us to the next level.We fell short and he decided he had done his best. "

"He's had enough. It's time to go."

So, a week after the final game, Manchester United chairman Martin Edwards told the world that Cantona had retired.Gary said, "I can't believe that one of the greatest Manchester United players of all time has decided to retire in his prime. This news is a bombshell for all of us.

Just a few days ago, I played Buster's farewell game with him, and he said to us as he stepped off the team bus, "Happy holidays, see you later."

"The way Cantona left was typical of Cantona," Gary said.

His legendary status has not been compromised in any way, and although leaving means that he has not fulfilled his dream of conquering Europe, it will not reduce his status in my eyes.

He will always have a place in the hearts of fans.Character is part of his legend, and people love him because he can do what they can't and say what they dare not.

People say money and fame influence footballers, distort their character and distort their judgement.In many cases, this may be true.

But not Eric.They are what you see in him and Jost.

Whether they are players or electricians, their personalities are equally hot.

Some players, some people, can count down to 10 when they are nervous and excited.

And people like Jost and Eric can't even take a deep breath.It's not about money or fame.Their passion comes naturally and I love having them around. "

Ferguson recalled, "After the loss to Dortmund, Cantona came to talk to me. He said he planned to leave football at the end of the season."

Ferguson couldn't believe it, and kept asking.But Cantona looked calm and determined, telling Ferguson that this was the final decision.

Before being intimidated by Cantona, Ferguson said, "Then I think he's stuck with those two games all season - the two losses against Dortmund.

I knew his position would not be shaken. No matter what I said to him, it was useless. He didn't come to listen to my advice and tell me it was just a joke. "

Ferguson said, "Cantona has a huge, sacred sense of honor, and he puts that in a place where no one else can touch it, but it must be real.

Although I have helped him when he came to me for help before, and although I have persuaded him to return to Manchester United after the suspension, this time, he is really going to leave. "

Ferguson didn't say any more, he just sighed deeply, "Then, Eric, let's have a drink, it's rare that we've known each other for so long and haven't had a good drink yet."

"Actually, boss, the wine here is not very good. Although it is very famous and looks very precious, it doesn't suit my taste. I brought my superb cognac from my collection!" Cantona joked with a rare wink of his eyes.

Outside the window, a heavy rain is brewing.

The two men did not embrace in the end, and after a drink, the taller figure turned and left.

The room suddenly became dark, and the figure of the Scot was extremely lonely.

Much later Ferguson recalled, "Cantona was convinced he should quit, so he left abruptly.

I'm not disappointed or frustrated - I don't blame him in any way for his decision. "

Ferguson pointed out, "Cantona is great, but Manchester United will continue to move forward without him. We will never stop. Of course, we can only thank Cantona!"

In fact, the place where Cantona made his decision was in the dressing room, and the time was at the end of the game that was eliminated by Dortmund.

Cantona, who had already returned to the dressing room early, stared blankly and did not say a word for a long time. He heard the fans in the Old Trafford stadium still applauding and singing. They were congratulating and encouraging the Red Devils to advance to the semi-finals.

But at that moment, Cantona's heart was cold.Jost, who was absent from that game, met Cantona in the locker room, and he silently accompanied the Frenchman.

A long time later, Jost was bitterly resentful for missing such an important game - if he could play, if Manchester United could win...

However, there is no more if.

And just like that, Cantona's Manchester United story ended and the flamboyant king left his domain.

(End of this chapter)