Eric Cantona French presidency claims were publicity stunt for charity
Former Manchester United striker Eric Cantona yesterday set the world tweeting after it was suggested that he intended to run for the French presidency this spring.
However, it has now been revealed that the letters he sent to every mayor in France did not have the aim of gathering the 500 official endorsements needed to make a presidential run, but to raise awareness and shame the other candidates into supporting the Abbé Pierre Foundation housing pressure group.
Foundation director Patrick Doutreligne has confirmed that the Cantona declaration was a publicity stunt: "We told ourselves we needed an extra kick. He will not be a candidate."