Eric Cantona claims 'kung-fu kick' was best moment of career

Manchester United forward Eric Cantona was incensed by abuse from fans as he headed to the dressing after being sent off against Crystal Palace in 1995 (GETTY IMAGES)

Manchester United legend Eric Cantona claims his infamous kung fu-style kick on a Crystal Palace fan was the best memory of his career.

The Frenchman was banned in 1995 after launching himself into the crowd with a kick at Palace fan Matthew Simmons after being sent off.

The incident was a black spot on a magnificent career but Cantona - who recently became director of football for the New York Cosmos - insists it was a high point.

Asked on BBC's Football Focus what the highlight of his career was, he responded: "When I did the kung fu kick on the hooligan, because these kind of people don't have to be at the game.

"I think maybe it's like a dream for some, you know sometimes to kick these kind of people.

"So I did it for them. So they are happy. It's a kind of freedom for them.

"So I speak about that because maybe they felt it. Because they felt something special physically. Maybe it was a different feeling.

"It's a great feeling, but different."