Eric Cantona: I was a rock star before I became a footballer

Following the release of his debut album and as he sets out on tour, the magnetic sportsman-turned-musician tells Nick Clark that he was always destined to perform in front of an audience, whether in a stadium or on stage

- Nick Clark

FOR the five years Eric Cantona graced Old Trafford, Manchester United fans would serenade their hero with the chant "Ooh aah Cantona". Now, some 27 years after he retired from football, he's singing back.

The mercurial French playmaker is on a 14-date tour, which started in Rotterdam last night and takes in London and Manchester, just days after the release of his debut live album Cantona Sings Eric First Tour Ever, with songs recorded from performances last year.

His move into music should come as no surprise. This renaissance man has already successfully re-invented himself as an actor and has also dabbled in painting and poetry.

"I have been passionate about the arts since forever," the 57-year-old says from his home in Lisbon. "I was always sure that after sport I would express myself in the world of art, and different kind of arts. And if I had the chance to share it with audiences, especially in a theatre or playing music, I knew I would love it. I love the energy of the fans, which is why I wanted to do music."

It all started last year, when Cantona released an EP of four tracks and played a series of gigs across the UK and Europe, kicking off, inevitably, in Manchester. That night at Stoller Hall was the first time he'd played his songs in front of an audience and was a journey into "another world, completely unknown, with no experience at all.

And I liked it, I liked the adventure.

"I hadn't even played in a bar. I'm crazy enough to expose myself to the world like this. It was a great night for everybody." It seems particularly exposing as there are only two musicians with him, a pianist and a cellist; it's not like playing football with 10 teammates. "People told me it's the hardest way to start, there's nowhere to hide.