Eric Cantona has created a one-off Ford Capri with his kung-fu kick stitched into the headrests

For reasons that are still unknown to TG, Eric Cantona was heavily involved in the launch of the new, electrified and SUV-ified Ford Capri.

At the time we were mostly confused about why the former Leeds and Manchester United player was posing next to the controversial Capri in lots of the press shots, but now the relationship between Ford and Cantona has progressed to the next level. Yep, King Eric now has his own one-off special edition.

We’re told that Cantona worked with the Ford Design team and Thomas Morel, exterior design manager for Capri, in order to create this erm… unique SUV.

Underneath it’s a Capri RWD Extended Range, but it’s painted in Signal Orange (a colour that was used on the Mk3 Capri) with a bespoke black rear wing and black racing stripes running down the centre of the bonnet, roof and bootlid.

There’s also some more detailing on the doors, with Cantona’s signature, a crown badge in a nod to the nickname given to him by MUFC fans, and the famous number seven accompanying yet more stripes.

We’re told that the car is supposed to reference “Cantona’s playing career but also his maverick nature and creative spirit”. And yes, it was a very creative way to pick up a lengthy ban from football and 120 hours of community service when Cantona kung-fu kicked a Crystal Palace fan at Selhurst Park in 1995.

In fact, a silhouette of that very incident is now stitched into the headrests of this Capri. Unbelievable.

“When the seagulls follow the trawler, it's because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea,” said Cantona at a press conference after appearing in court following the kick. And apparently he came up with a similarly bizarre quote for the launch of the new Capri, hence why it’s now written on the centre console.

“When a goat follows his hero in his car, it’s because the ruler on the racetrack returns. The Legend is back,” it reads. Yeah, us neither.  

Elsewhere inside there’s lots of black leather and a few bespoke orange details on the seats and steering wheel.

“True joy comes from expression, whether that is on the football pitch, on canvas or the stage,” said Cantona regarding his one-off EV. “This Capri reflects the many facets of Cantona – it deserves the title of ‘Legend’.”