Eric Cantona to house and feed a family of refugees for two years
Manchester United legend's decision was encouraged by the fact that his grandparents were refugees
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Eric Cantona has said he will house and feed a refugee family for at least two years.
The 49-year-old told French radio station Inter that he was partly encouraged to help refugees as his maternal grandparents were Republican refugees who fled the Franco regime in Spain, crossing the Pyrenees on foot to reach France.
The former footballer said he was currently organising the process with authorities in Marseille, southern France.
He said: “If you house someone who does not have the right to work, then they need to eat too.”
Speaking of his decision, the Manchester United legend said: “I think it’s important, and if it can serve as an example, all the better”.
Cantona played for a number of teams during his career, but it mainly remembered for the role he played in Manchester United becoming England's most successful football club.
He retired from professional football in 1997 and has since enjoyed an acting career on stage and in film.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments