Ken Loach has admitted that he admired footballer Eric Cantona because of his personality.
The ex-United star is set to appear in the director's new movie Looking For Eric which follows a postman whose life is falling down around him.
Speaking to The Guardian Loach said: "He was a player of consummate skill and great cheek. Most people who enjoy football just saw in Eric's performance a very strong personality that communicated the joy of football."
"I mean, I'm not overimpressed by anybody in films because it's the business and we just work in it.
"When it's somebody from outside who is very special in their own field, and particularly if it's a field you care about...you are impressed because, that level, it's something you can't approach. You can only stand back and admire really."
But this is not Cantona's first appearance on the big screen after landing a part in Elizabeth in 1999 and in this week's release French Film.
Looking For Eric will compete in the main competition at the Cannes Film Festival later this month.
Looking For Eric is released 12th June
Tagged in Ken Loach Eric Cantona