Man Utd legend Eric Cantona surprises artists

Artists were delighted to meet the football star and discuss their art

Artists in a Manchester studio were left stunned after they were paid a surprise visit by world-famous footballer Eric Cantona.

The Manchester United legend, who is also a keen musician and artist, visited GRIT Studios in the city and spent time with local artists.

One of them, Francis Thorrington, a big United fan, said he "couldn’t stop smiling the whole time" after Cantona described his work as "wonderful".

Cantona helped curate an exhibition at Manchester's National Football Museum last year on sporting heroes and their impact on society.

Cantona showed off his musical skills

The footballer flew in from Paris to see artist Michael Browne, who he worked with on the previous show, From Moss Side to Marseille.

The pair are planning another collaboration, although details of the project are top secret.

Cantona showcased his music abilities when he started playing a handmade wooden guitar by Chris Polin.

Eric Cantona visited GRIT Studios in the Great Northern Warehouse

John Macaulay, co-founder of GRIT Studios, said: "It’s full circle for me having watched Eric play all over the world.

"It’s a true honour that he’s flown in to see our talented artists."

The footballer’s final message of the visit was that it was refreshing to see a place where "art was for everyone, not just the elite".