Revealed: Man United icon Eric Cantona explains why he was seen walking a GOAT in south London

Even by Eric Cantona's levels of eccentricity, the sight of the Manchester United icon being accompanied by a pet goat this summer has raised some eyebrows.

Cantona was photographed walking his goat in a London street, and an image of the two even popped up on a flag at Glastonbury. They have generated millions of views and comments across X and TikTok, with users trying to work out just what is going on.

The reason behind Cantona's peculiar behaviour can now be revealed after the former Manchester United star gave an exclusive interview to Mail Sport.

The 58-year-old Frenchman is part of the relaunch of the new Ford Capri EV 38 years after the popular model was discontinued. One of the greatest of all time in the Premier League celebrating the return of Ford's GOAT. King Eric confirmed The Legend is Back on his own Instagram.

'Sometimes I like the feeling of nostalgia,' Cantona said as part of a wide-ranging interview in which he aired his thoughts on returning to United to work with new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and why he is opposed to bulldozing Old Trafford.

'I really love the Capri from the 70s. I love it. They re-invented it, they were inspired by it. The new one is very modern of course, all electric. I think it is very important for the planet and the new generations of people.

'I like the feeling of nostalgia but I think I can also feel the soul of the Capri from the 70s in the new one. Like me, I was a footballer and then acting and singing or whatever. Different things, evolutions, in time are the same soul.'

Ford believe the new Capri EV shares the rebellious spirit and mischievous personality of Cantona. Pete Zillig, Ford's marketing director in Europe, said: 'Rewiring Capri for the electric age is about more than just reinventing a classic. It's a clear marker for where Ford in Europe is headed – going beyond what's expected, with iconic electric vehicles that ooze soul and swagger.

'Marketing this nameplate comes with great responsibility: respect for the legend and ambition for a new era of Capri drivers. With this campaign we've gone well beyond our comfort zone, bringing back Capri with a clear statement about what Ford stands for.'

Read more: Exclusive - Eric Cantona reveals new talks with Man United about taking a job under Sir Jim Ratcliffe's regime, speaks on THAT kung-fu kick... and fears the club could 'lose its soul' if one plan goes ahead