The club icon, who scored 82 goals in 185 Reds appearances between 1992 and 1997, was presented with the accolade by UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin at the Champions League group-stage draw in Monte Carlo.

Dressed in a flat cap and a red shirt, the Old Trafford hero began by quoting Shakespeare's King Lear and stunned the crowd with his typically brilliant speech.



“As flies to wanton boys we are for the gods, they kill us for their sport,” said Cantona.



“Soon the science will not only be able to slow down the ageing of the cells, soon the science will fix the cells to the state and so we will become eternal.



” Only accidents, crimes, wars, will still kill us but unfortunately, crimes, wars, will multiply.



“I love football. Thank you.”