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The former Manchester United footballer has previously starred in the likes of Elizabeth alongside Cate Blanchett and Looking For Eric as a fantasy version of himself.
Cantona is currently appearing in Switch as Damien Forgeat, a man brought in to investigate a young woman's murder in Paris.
"For me it is all the same - it's an expression - find a way to express myself. Football, cinema - it is all the same," he told Sky News.
Watch Eric Cantona's interview below:
The Frenchman explained that he was looking for a change, and that action roles help him remain fit.
"I like to do action - to prove that I am still in good shape. I wanted to do something else. I am lucky to do movies, to be on stage."
Cantona added that he found the transition from sport to acting was tough at first, but he was glad to have persevered.
"The first year was a bit difficult for me because I did not have a lot of experience. People need time also to accept I can do something else.
"For me it's very important for me, and to encourage other people, that we can do something else - everything is possible."
Switch will be released in UK cinemas on Friday, March 30.
Eric Cantona was earlier this year rumoured to be starting a Presidential bid in France, but it was later revealed to be a publicity stunt.
Watch Eric Cantona in a clip from Switch below:
