Eric Cantona, remembered not only for his exceptional skills on the field but also for his infamous kung-fu kick on a Crystal Palace fan during his time at <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/manchester-united">Manchester United</a>, has remained largely distant from the soccer world since retiring from professional play.



However, the Frenchman waded into the age-old debate over who is the greatest soccer player of all time, offering a surprising choice that sidesteps the usual battle between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.



Cantona chose an Argentine player, but it wasn’t Diego Maradona either. Cantona went in a completely different direction. In a 2015 interview in Shanghai ahead of the Laureus Sports Awards gala, the former forward declared Paris Saint-Germain’s Javier Pastore as his pick for the greatest player.



“The best player in the world is Pastore, from PSG. He’s the one who excites me the most when I watch him play. I went to watch two PSG matches just to see him,” Cantona said at the time. He elaborated further, saying, “For me, he is the most creative player of the moment. Pastore is full of surprises. I love this type of player.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241220_BUS_297233_javier-pastore-1024x576_7145876d.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-297246" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20180941/javier-pastore-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20180941/javier-pastore-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20180941/javier-pastore-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20180941/javier-pastore-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20180941/javier-pastore-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20180941/javier-pastore-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20180941/javier-pastore-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20180941/javier-pastore.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Javier Pastore during a UEFA Champions League game between PSG and Real Madrid. (IMAGO / Pro Shots)</figcaption></figure>



Cantona also detailed what made Pastore stand out to him: “Soccer is about interaction, not just goals. Passes matter too. And Pastore has something special; he always surprises you.” 


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While both Cantona and Pastore have since retired, the Frenchman’s admiration for Pastore’s creativity and flair—particularly during the Argentine’s time representing his country at the 2010 FIFA World Cup—remains a fascinating insight into his footballing mind.



<h2>Javier Pastore on PSG’s treatment of Lionel Messi</h2>



Pastore, who spent seven seasons at PSG after signing from Italian club Palermo, won 19 titles during his time in Paris. In 2023, he shared his thoughts on how fans treated Lionel Messi during the Argentine’s stint at the club.



In an interview with Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio in 2023, Pastore expressed his disappointment: “I didn’t like how they treated Messi, just as I wouldn’t like it happening to any other teammate,” he said. “But soccer and fans are like that—they decide who they like and who they don’t.”



He also highlighted how Argentina’s triumph over France in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final influenced the reception Messi received in Paris. “The victory against France had a huge impact on Leo,” he explained. “Anything negative weighed on him a little more because Argentina had won.”



<h2>Javier Pastore’s career in numbers</h2>



Over 16 years as a professional soccer player, Javier Pastore played 448 matches, scoring 75 goals and providing 85 assists. He spent the majority of his career at PSG, where he played seven seasons and won 19 trophies, making it the most successful chapter of his career.

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Manchester United legend Eric Cantona names the greatest soccer player of all time - Bolavip US

Manchester United legend Eric Cantona names the greatest soccer player of all time

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Twelve years after leaving for Real Madrid, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/Man-Utd-to-replace-Cristiano-Ronaldo-with-Lionel-Messis-2022-World-Cup-enemy-20230112-0029.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> made a highly anticipated return to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/champions-league-winners-list-by-year-20220526-0035.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Manchester United</a>. However, things didn’t go according to plan as he ended up rescinding his contract halfway through the 2022-23 season.
Though he was one of their few bright spots last year, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/Erik-ten-Hag-has-already-overtaken-Mourinho-Solskjr-and-Sir-Alex-Ferguson-in-one-record-20230104-0009.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Erik ten Hag</a> decided to drop Ronaldo from the starting lineup after taking over in the summer. That didn’t sit well with the Portuguese, who blasted the coach and the front office in an interview.
Ronaldoended up signinga lucrative contract with Saudi Arabian side <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/What-is-Cristiano-Ronaldos-FIFA-23-rating-after-move-to-Saudi-Arabias-Al-Nassr-20230111-0034.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Al-Nassr</a>, butmade a number of enemies since that infamous interview thatled to his exit. If not, just look at what Eric Cantona had to say about him.
<h2>Eric Cantona takes huge shot at Cristiano Ronaldo</h2>
“He came back here and United wasn’t the United he left and sometimes he doesn’t realize things changed,” Cantona said about Ronaldo, via Samuel Luckhurst of The Manchester Evening News. “So maybe he was surprised so many things changed.
“You have two kind of players: the one who wants to play every game because they still think they’re 25 years old and the ones who realize they are not 25 years old and they are here to help the young players, they know they will not play every game, they know they will play some games.
“But their part is to help the young players. Like (Zlatan) Ibrahimovic still does it with Milan, Ryan Giggs or (Paolo) Maldini when he was in Milan. But I think Ronaldo didn’t realize – and he still doesn’t realize – he’s not 25 years old. He’s just older and he should have realized that instead of being not happy to play some games, say, ‘okay, I am not 25 years old, I cannot play every game, but I will help the young players and accept that situation and that’s my situation’.”
Many believe Ronaldo has to accept he’s aging and thereby adjust to it. Others claim he still has a lot left in the tank and United treated him unfairly. Either way, nothing has prevented Cristiano from landing a massive deal to continue playing the beautiful game.
 
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Cristiano Ronaldo destroyed by Man Utd legend: ‘He doesn’t realize he’s not 25’

Cristiano Ronaldo destroyed by Man Utd legend: ‘He doesn’t realize he’s not 25’ - Bolavip US

A club like <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/manchester-united-t10" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Manchester United</a> needs no introduction. Playing for the Red Devils is not for anyone, as we’re talking about one of the English giants that has dominated both in domestic and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/teams-with-most-uefa-champions-league-titles-of-all-time-20201021-0001.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">European</a> soccer throughout history.
From the early days to the Sir Alex Ferguson era and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/premier-league-t45" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Premier League</a> days, they got used to succeed and show their supremacy either at the local and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/uefa-champions-league-all-time-winners-list-by-year-20210526-0017.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">international</a> level. And they have seen countlessrenowned stars wearing theirshirt in the process.
While the number 10 could be a coveted jersey for most players,when we mention Manchester United, one of the first numbers to come up to mind will probably be the 7. It’s been a jersey worn by emblematic figures and it remains an iconic shirt for United nowadays. Here, take a look at some of the superstars who shone with the No. 7 on their backs.
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<h2>George Best (1963-1974)</h2>
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<figure class="image"> <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20210827_BUS_174818_george_best.jpg_22993414_437803ea.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption> George Best will be always remembered as a soccer legend. (Getty) </figcaption></figure>
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The Fifth Beatle was one of the most popularpersonalities in the soccer world during the 1960s and 1970s. An outstanding player on the field and a controversial figure off it, George Best has sparkedthe iconic side of wearing <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/manchester-united-top-goalscorers-all-time-20201101-0005.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Manchester United</a>‘s number 7 jersey.
The Northern Ireland starwas distinguished with the Ballon d’Or in 1968, when he also lifted the European Cup trophy. During his time at Old Trafford, Best also won two league titles.
<h2>Bryan Robson (1981-1994)</h2>
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<figure class="image"> <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20210827_BUS_174818_bryan_robson.jpg_22993414_297766f6.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption> Bryan Robson. (Getty) </figcaption></figure>
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One of the most beloved players in the Red Devils history, Bryan Robson played a key role under Sir Alex Ferguson, who arrived at Manchester United in 1986. Nicknamed ‘Captain Marvel‘, it seemed like there was nothing Robson couldn’t do.
The midfielder amassed more than 460 appearances and was just one goal shy of the 100. He helped United winning two league championships and three FA Cups, becoming their first English captain to lift the trophy.
<h2>Eric Cantona (1992-1997)</h2>
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<figure class="image"> <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20210827_BUS_174818_eric_cantona.jpg_22993414_a9a5a74f.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption> Eric Cantona. (Getty) </figcaption></figure>
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Manchester United’snumber 7 was once again at the hands of a fantastic, ruthless forward who had also a controversial behavior off – or even on the field, like in the infamous episode when he threw a karatekick to a fan during a game.
<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/Who-are-the-best-foreign-players-in-Premier-League-history-20200411-0002.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Eric Cantona</a>, however, was one of the greatestto ever play for the Red Devils. The Frenchman scored an impressive 82 goals in 185 games, winning four Premier Leagues and two FA Cup titles.
<h2>David Beckham (1995-2003)</h2>
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<figure class="image"> <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20210827_BUS_174818_david_beckham_united.jpg_22993414_ee4c9550.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption> David Beckham. (Getty) </figcaption></figure>
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An academy product, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/david-beckham-t27629" target="_blank" rel="noopener">David Beckham</a> made his way to the Manchester United history books in golden years for the Red Devils. He went on to become even more famous due to his <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/lionel-messi-and-the-greatest-legends-in-mls-history" target="_blank" rel="noopener">celebrity status</a>, but he has certainly left an indelible mark with the No. 7 on his back.
Beckham collected twelve titles during his spell at his boyhood club, including theunforgettable 1999 UEFA <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/champions-league-t24" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Champions League</a> triumph in thedramatic final against <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/bayern-munich-t112" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bayern Munich</a>.
<h2>Cristiano Ronaldo (2003-2009)</h2>
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<figure class="image"> <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20210827_BUS_174818_cristiano_united_7.jpg_22993414_ddfe76ee.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption> Cristiano Ronaldo. (Getty) </figcaption></figure>
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What can we say about <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/cristiano-ronaldo-t2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> that hasn’t already been said before? The Portuguese megastar joined the Red Devils as an 18-year-old youngster and left as a club legend only six years later. Ronaldo took the No. 7 right away and hasn’t failed to deliver.
In fact, he was the last player to have shone with that shirt – although Edinson Cavani hasfinally donea decent job with it <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/edinson-cavani-inherits-cristiano-ronaldos-former-number-7-jersey-at-manchester-united-20201007-0005.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">after so many years in which the jersey seemed cursed</a>. Cristiano tasted both local and continental glory, scoring 118 goals in 292 appearances. Now, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/manchester-united-lineup-with-cristiano-ronaldo-a-title-contending-starting-11-20210827-0012.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">he’s back for a second stint</a>.
<h2>The ‘cursed’ Man United No. 7 post-Ronaldo</h2>
As we’ve mentioned before, for many years, Manchester United’snumber 7 jersey hasn’t found a right heir<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/when-did-cristiano-ronaldo-leave-manchester-united-the-first-time-20210827-0014.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">after Cristiano Ronaldo</a>. It took more than 10 years to find a decent successor, as Cavani proved to be up to the task.
Shortly after Ronaldo left, Michael Owen took his shirt, but hasn’tlived up to expectations as he was hampered by injuries. When Owen left in 2012, Antonio Valencia inherited the No. 7, but henever feltcomfortable with it and went back to the 25 only a season later.
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<figure class="image"> <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20210827_BUS_174818_di_maria_7_united.jpg_22993414_056d3e4a.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption> Angel Di Maria. (Getty) </figcaption></figure>
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Angel Di Maria, who arrived at United in 2014 following a breathtaking performance in the previous season’s UCL final, took the number 7 but his stint at Old Trafford lasted just one year. Neither he nor the fans have pleasant memories about it.
The jersey then was passed to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/barcelonas-lineup-without-messi-how-will-they-play-the-2021-2022-season-20210809-0004.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Memphis Depay</a>, who was a youngster by thenand has also struggled. Eventually, hewas sold in early 2017 to Olympique Lyon. Things kept on going in the wrong direction as not even <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/alexis-sanchez" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Alexis Sanchez</a> could shine with the No. 7.
The Chilean star was in his prime at <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/arsenal-t418" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Arsenal</a> but he never found his form with Manchester United. In 2020, Edinson Cavani signed for the Red Devils as a free agent after running out of contract at PSG. He didn’t hesitate to take the ‘cursed’ number 7 and became the first player in a while to do a good job, scoring 17 goals in 39 games in his first year.
 
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