Loach 'admired Cantona's skill and cheek'

Ken Loach has said that he admired Eric Cantona as a footballer because of his strong personality.

The director, who directs Cantona in upcoming movie Looking For Eric, told The Guardian that he appreciated the star's individuality on the field.

Loach said: "He was a player of consummate skill and great cheek. Most people who enjoy football just saw in Eric's performance a very strong personality that communicated the joy of football."

He added: "I mean, I'm not overimpressed by anybody in films because it's the business and we just work in it.

"When it's somebody from outside who is very special in their own field, and particularly if it's a field you care about...you are impressed because, that level, it's something you can't approach. You can only stand back and admire really."

> Click here to watch the Looking For Eric trailer