Eric Cantona announces music career and upcoming tour

Football legend Eric Cantona has announced that he’s launching a solo music career.

The Manchester United icon – who retired from football back in 1997 – shared the news on his Instagram yesterday (May 25) where he teased his first single.

“I’m going to release my first single, out June 2nd,” the French former player wrote. “Watch yourself in the mirror – someone you hate, someone you love,” he sings atop a stripped back piano melody in the black and white preview clip, in which he holds a model of his own head.

The track, out next Friday via Decca, was written and composed by Cantona, and you can find more information here.

Fans can “join the club” on his website for exclusive announcements, meet and greet opportunities to win, and access to live events.

Alongside the single news, Cantona has also announced a trio of live shows. He’ll kick off the ‘Cantona Sings Eric On Stage’ tour at Manchester’s Stoller Hall on October 26, followed by London’s Bloomsbury on October 28 and the Liberty Hall Theatre in Dublin on October 31.

Pre-sale for the shows go live on Wednesday (May 31) at 10am BST, with general sale set to go live at 10am on Friday (June 2) from here.

“Next year, I’ll be playing with a band, but for now, I’m starting with a modest piano to play alongside me in intimate venues,” he said in a statement. “I’ll be starting in Manchester because it’s a city that has stayed with me so much for the football, of course, but also the general atmosphere.”

Back in 2020, ‘King’ Cantona featured in Liam Gallagher’s music video for ‘Once’ after he uploaded a video of himself singing along to the track.

The sportsman ended his football career at the age of 30, reflecting on his decision in the book Fever Pitch: The rise of the Premier League.

“I am afraid about one thing – the emptiness. I hate emptiness. When I lost the passion, lost the fire in me, I just retired,” he said (via The Mirror). “I tried to light it again but I knew it was the end.”