ONE of the most influential footballers of all time takes to the stage next year for a handful of selected UK dates including Bournemouth.

Superstar Eric Cantona will play six dates only next February and will be at the Bournemouth International Centre on February 21.

Eric Cantona is known not just for his skilful footwork and adept acting skills but also his timely comments. He always has something to say - and he never disappoints.

Indeed, his reputation for the enigmatic bon mot has merely added to the lustre of the man that Manchester United supporters still call The King. They even have their own Cantona song to regale him with whenever he visits the ground - and still regularly sing it when he doesn’t!

To expect the evening to revolve round football and the inside stories from the clubs he’s played for will be par for the course. Eric will discuss his career, the reason he retired at the peak of it and what it was about Manchester that he loved. He’ll talk about what it was like making the Ken Loach movie, Looking For Eric.

But Eric Cantona promises to deliver much more besides. As the man himself says:

“I am really looking forward to coming to the UK to talk onstage. I have lots of stories to tell about my days at the greatest club of all, my beloved Manchester United with the best fans in the world.

You can expect a look back at my United career with a replaying of a few of my goals on the big screen and I’ll be sharing what they meant to me at the time.

I played alongside so many great people and was extremely lucky to have Sir Alex, my favourite manager, as the boss. I spent an incredible five years with him – it’s hard to believe it’s over 20 years ago.”

Generally considered to be Sir Alex Ferguson’s master signing, Eric Cantona is thought to be the missing link that transformed Manchester United into the best team of the premier league to date. He became the most popular United player of all time .

Many of his old football friends are expected to attend the shows - and Eric says he can’t wait.

“I hope to see many of my old friends while I’m there. And one thing I promise, every night will be a bit different - even I don't know exactly what I will say. It’s going to be fun.”

It has taken five years for promoters A1 Sporting Speakers to persuade Eric to do the shows. But now the star says he feels the time is right.

Promoter Terry Baker of A1 explains “We have been trying to get Eric to do this for years and we’re absolutely thrilled that he has finally agreed. His career has been truly remarkable and we’re delighted to be able to bring him back to Britain and give fans the opportunity to spend time with the man himself. It will be a unique insight into one of the greatest players the game has ever known.”

With every performance taking the form of an hour’s informal interview each date promises to be informative, revealing and compellingly original – a must for football fans everywhere.

Tickets have just gone on sale and are already selling very fast with the Salford matinee now added due to extra demand. They are available at various prices (subject to booking fee) and are on sale from all venues, booking details as follows.

For all shows there is also a special VIP ticket available giving a seat in the front few rows and the chance to have a photo with Eric. In addition a few very special VVIP experiences are now being offered. These provide a champagne reception with Eric as well as a front row seat, a large signed photo of him and a professionally taken photo with him which can be framed on the night.

VIP and VVIP tickets are available from www.a1sportingmemorabilia.co.uk and 07866 454714.

YOUR opportunity to have a photo Eric Cantona and win VIP tickets!....

The Daily Echo has one pair of VIP tickets to give away for the BIC show on February 21 which includes a photo opportunity with the star. Simply answer the following question: Where was Eric Cantona born?

Please email your answer to hilary.porter@dailyecho.co.uk with your full name, address and telephone number.

Answers to reach us by January 3.

Tickets for the BIC show are available from BHLiveTickets.co.uk, 0844 576 3000 groups 01202 055561.