Cast as one of only two survivors in the basement of a collapsed supermarket, Eric Cantona did the thespian equivalent of taking a penalty in his first pro match. But the former Manchester United and France star pulled it off, in a credible performance as Max the embittered accountant in Face au Paradis (Facing Paradise), a contemporary French play that debuted Tuesday at the Théatre Marigny in Paris.

Since retiring as a player, Eric the Great has worked as an actor, appearing in 11 films and starring in two movies for French television. He has also directed a short movie.

Cantona, who is also an accomplished photographer, likened his work on the stage to his soccer playing days. "You are playing in both and they demand an enormous amount of work beforehand which ends in a real excitement on the day of the performance or match." Read the original story...