ERIC INTERVIEW

Last updated : 18 May 2004 By editor

What can you remember about the day you signed for Manchester United?

"You are never sure how will it will turn out. I had had some good moments at Leeds, some others not so good. There were so many good players here that I wasn’t sure whether I would be in the team. I had my chance and I tried to give my best game after game."

What made you fall in love with Manchester United - Sir Alex, the fans, the club or something else?

"It was everything; all the players I had around me, the manager of course, the fans and the whole feel of the club. It’s something you can’t see, but you sense there is something special, something positive, about the club. I am very sensitive to this type of thing – why, I don’t know. The success certainly helps as well. To win things you need a good spirit among the players and the club. We had that. But winning makes it far easier - it makes it more beautiful when you are successful like we were."

If you had the chance to relive one game of your United career, which one would it be and why?

"[pauses]…the one against Sheffield Wednesday here in 1993 just before the first title. Steve Bruce scored twice in the last few minutes and we won. We put pressure on them; sometimes you hit the post, or you miss. This time we scored two goals and won the league. Sometimes luck goes your way, and sometimes it doesn’t – that makes it all the more important to give everything you have every time."

Why was that game in particular so special for you?

"Because it was the first league title in 26 years for Manchester United. I remember the goals came right at the end of the game, the weather was beautiful; it was a great day."

Do you think the impact you had at United inspired more overseas players, especially French players, to come and play in the Premiership?

"It’s not for me to say this kind of thing. I think you should question the French players, or the foreign players. Nobody helped me because I was the first one!"

I’ve heard that you used to wear the same pair of shorts for every match. Why was that and did you have any other superstitions before games?

"I was a bit superstitious during my time at United. Not any more. I think you are fragile as a player. You need to be reassured you need to take care of all the minor details before a game. It’s about being comfortable going into a game."

Is there a moment best sums up your time as a Manchester United player?

"Yes, when I was banned after Crystal Palace. Not because of what happened. But because I really felt I had all the people, all the fans, behind me. In those periods, everything you have can break down. What I did was not very nice. I didn’t play for nine months and I had to pay some fines, but it was more important that the people who had followed me before that incident still supported me. It was very important to me that the fans did."

What was it like for you during that time?

"As I said before, when you are successful it is easy. It’s only when you are in real difficulty that you get to know the people around you. When you are famous and doing well, everybody is your friend. When you are not, some leave. But, me, I knew that before. I was prepared for that. That is why I think the young players coming through today need to have a good family around them. You need that, and good friends to warn you of how it will be when your career is over, to say ‘when your career is over, it will be like this. Be careful’. You have to prepare yourself for this kind of period because sometimes players become a bit depressed after their careers have finished."