MANCHESTER UNITED legend Eric Cantona has become the third inductee into the Premier League Hall of Fame.
The 54-year-old follows inaugural inductees Thierry Henry and Alan Shearer after a glittering career in England.
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Cantona linked up with the Red Devils from Leeds in November 1992 after helping the Whites win the First Division title.
And his impact at Old Trafford was immediate as he was instrumental in United winning their first-top flight championship since 1967.
In total, the French icon won four Premier League titles in five years before retiring in 1997 at the age of 30.
Cantona – who chipped in with 70 goals and 56 assists 156 outings for both United and Leeds – is the first of six inductees voted by fans from a 23-man shortlist.
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And Cantona has joked he isn’t surprised about being inducted as he thanked those that voted for him.
He told the Premier League: “I feel very happy and very proud – and at the same time, I’m not surprised!
“I would have been surprised not to be elected. You know, I’m not surprised.”
Before adding: “It is very important to have an honour like this. I play football, I love football, I dreamt about football when I was a kid.
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“Of course, to play in England was a dream.
“It’s a dream of everybody, and playing in the Premier League, so I have to say thanks to all the people who voted for me – the older generation and your generation, everybody.
“Which is very important because as I tell you it was a long time ago, and sometimes people forget!”
Five more players will be inducted into the Hall of Fame later this week following a two-week voting period.
Notable people from the 23-man shortlist include Arsenal legends Tony Adams and Dennis Bergkamp, Chelsea pair John Terry and Frank Lampard and Liverpool icons Steven Gerrard and Robbie Fowler.
