Bizarrely, Eric Cantona has returned to football as director of ‘soccer’ at New York Cosmos.
“I am very honoured to join the legendary New York Cosmos,” said Cantona. “It’s a big project, a wonderful project. The Cosmos are very strong, beautifully made, with a great past. It’s kind of a mix between football and art. I will do everything I can to help us first find our way to regain the No. 1 position in the United States, and then for us to become one of the best clubs in the world.”
New York Cosmos formed in 1971 but dissolved in 1985, however the team’s youth camps continued to operate. The name was sold in 2009 to a new organization featuring Pelé as Honorary President, who revealed that the club would be back last year with the goal of joining the MLS.
Franz Beckenbauer, Pelé and Carlos Alberto Torres are amongst the famous names who have played for the club. Between 1977 and 1981 their average yearly attendance was between 34,000 and 48,00.
