Cantona was strong..Zlatan Ibrahimovic is not like him: Petit
Former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Emmanuel Petit has rubbished comparisons between former Manchester United legend Eric Cantona and current Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Petit feels that Cantona was much stronger and had the ability to stand up to strong opponents.
Since his arrival at Manchester this summer, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who is known for his on and off the field antics, has often been compared with Manchester United legend Eric Cantona, who changed the fortunes of the club during his 5-year spell with them between 1992 and 1997. Frenchman Emmanuel Petit has, however, dismissed those comparison.
"When people say Ibrahimovic is like Cantona ... he's not at all, not at all, at all. 'Canto', if he wanted to kick you in the head, he would do it. If he lost it, he would do it,” Petit, who played alongside Cantona for France, said on SFR Sport's Le Vestiaire.
Cantona had won four Premier League titles and 2 FA Cups during his five seasons with the Red Devils. He is also known for his famous 'Kung-fu' kick on a Crystal Palace supporter who abused him from the stands. Petit believes Zlatan lacks the strength that Cantona had to stand up to people.
"Cantona was strong in the face of strong opponents, he stood up to them. Ibra, when you start to get at him in a match -- I've seen the batterings he's taken in England -- even if he replies sometimes ... yes, he has character and personality, but don't say 'Ibra' is like 'Canto'. He isn't at all,” he added.