Back in August 2019, Eric Cantona received the President's Award ahead of the Champions League draw.
On stage with the usual citizens of these events, Cantona was asked what was going through his mind at that moment.
The Frenchman's reply bemused all.
As flies to wanton boys, we are for the gods. They kill us for the sport.
Soon the science will not only be able to slow down the ageing of the cells – soon the science will fix the cells to the state.
And so we will become eternal. Only accidents, crimes, wars will still kill us, but unfortunately crimes and wars will multiply.
I love football. Thank you.
Cantona's opening two lines are taken from Shakespeare's King Lear.
The reaction of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi reflected that of everyone watching.
