Cantona returns to football, as New York Cosmos director

New York, Jan 20 (DPA) France and Manchester United legend Eric Cantona returns to the sport as director of football at New York Cosmos, the club said.

The club bought the name of the old Cosmos New York for which the likes of Pele and Franz Beckenbauer played in the 1970s. Cosmos hope to gain entry into Major League Soccer.

'I am very honoured to join the legendary club New York Cosmos. It's a big project, a wonderful project. The Cosmos are very strong, beautifully made, with a great past. It's kind of a mix between football and art,' said Cantona.

'I will do everything that I can to help us first find our way to regain the number one position in the US, and then for us to become one of the best clubs in the world over the coming years.'

Cantona, 44, played for United 1992-1997 and won four Premier League titles with them. He also won 45 caps for France.

At Cosmos, he will work together with former US international Cobi Jones, who has been appointed assistant director of football. Cantona will be responsible for 'all soccer-related matters, which will include the proposed first team'.

'Three years ago, when I first had the idea of reviving The New York Cosmos, I couldn't have dreamt that we'd be able to attract an icon the likes of Eric Cantona,' said club chairman Paul Kemsley.