"I am a committed citizen with a keen sense of responsibility"
The former Manchester United footballer Eric Cantona wants to participate in this year´s presidential elections in France and is trying to gather the signatures necessary to do so, according to the French newspaper `Liberation´.
The Frenchman, who need the support of 500 staff, has sent a letter to the mayors in which is described as an "engaged citizen."
"This commitment requires me to talk more seriously than usual, but also with a keen sense of my responsibility, at a time when our country faces difficult decisions that will determine their future."
In his letter, Cantona reported few opportunities for young people in France and the social injustices that were "too numerous, too violent, too systematic."
The Socialist candidate Francois Hollande leads the polls, beating President Nicolas Sarkozy. Even if Cantona was able to get 500 signatures, a difficult task without the support of a party, it would be virtually no chance of reaching the second round.