Eric Cantona performed a bizarre on-stage speech as he received the UEFA President’s Award.
The former Manchester United legend said in front of a large audience awaiting the Champions League draw in Monaco: ‘As flies to wanton boys are we to the gods; They kill us for their sport.
‘Soon the science will be able to fix the cells to the state. Soon it will become eternal.
‘Only accidents, crimes, wars, will still kill us. But unfortunately, crimes and wars will multiply. I love football. Thank you.’
A confused audience including Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo gave an awkward look in Cantona’s direction.
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin presented Cantona the award, which is chosen only by Ceferin.
Previous winners include Johan Cruyff and David Beckham who was last year’s winner.
This is not the first time Cantona has come out with a bizarre speech.
After winning his appeal against a two-week prison sentence for kicking an abusive footballer spectator in the chest in January 1995, he uttered gibberish to the media.
He said at the time: ‘When the seagulls follow the trawler, it is because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea.’
The former United player scored 64 goals for the Red Devils and won four league titles at the club.
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