Eric Cantona seems to have pulled off the tricky job of playing himself in new movie Looking For Eric.

Director Ken Loach's unusual concept sees the French ex-Manchester United legend play an imaginary life coach who appears to comfort a depressed Red Devils fan.

It is not the footballing legend's first film role, with parts in the 1998 costume drama Elizabeth and several French films, but this is the first time he has played himself in a movie.

The film has been well received by the critics and its emotional core means it does not just appeal to football fans.

Cantona said: "It is a love story. All his friends are fans of football, but first of all it is a love story. It's a story of love, family and friendship."

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