Cosmos appoint Cantona in director role

The New York Cosmos have appointed former Manchester United star Eric Cantona as director of soccer.

The Cosmos were one of the biggest club’s in the MLS throughout the 1970’s, and were successful in luring Brazilian legend Pele to play out his final years as a professional in the US, before the franchise folded in 1985.

They were re-launched in August last year by English businessman and former Tottenham director Paul Kelmsey, who has brought Pele on board as president and revived the club’s aim of returning to the MLS.

Cantona will be assisted by former Coventry player Cobi Jones who has been appointed as an associate director of soccer.

“It’s a wonderful project. It’s kind of a mix between football and art,” Cantona said.

“The Cosmos are very strong, beautifully made, with a great past.”

“I will do everything that I can to help us first find our way to regain the number one position in the United States, and then for us to become one of the best clubs in the world over the coming years.”

The 44-year-old Frenchman, who was voted Manchester United’s player of the century in 2000, shocked the football world in 1997 when he announced his retirement from the game at the age of 30.