Eric and Peter - what a contrast

[ryansgirl]

When I think of THE MAN Eric Cantona, I have such profound respect for him in so many ways. One of which is the way he went out of football, not just English football, with dignity, earning respect as befitting a legend. He said he would never play for another club and he has not. As someone wrote somewhere else, `True to his word as ever`.

Yet when I think of another Old Trafford legend, Peter Schmeikes, I have a slightly sad feeling. I know it is his right to make a living out of football still and obviously the man is addicted to it, but I wish he had stayed in Portugal or at least in Europe. To see him back in England playing for the mediocrity thatis Aston Villa and now for the headless chicken that is Manchester City, makes me wish he had done an Eric.

I don`t understand his not quitting when he was at the top, when he had reached the very summit. He doesn`t need the money (if he does he is most likely a gambler or addict of some sorts)so why is he playing for Manchester City, even if Kevin Keegan (who is a good coach despite some opinions) is there and even if there is a challenge in keeping City in the Premiership.

Sorry, Peter, I think you are a bit of a sad case.

 

[Ever hopefull]

A little bit harsh.
Eric retired because he didn't enjoy playing anymore.
Peter obviously still does. If your lucky enough to be able to earn a living doing what you love then you want to do it for as long as possible. He might have gone on a year or 2 too many but he is still a legend and will always be.

 

[RUnited]

It's a different case for Peter and Eric I think.

Until today, I still feel Eric felt he was responsible for United not winning the European Cup under his command. He quitted because he was becoming a bit of a drag.

Don't get me wrong, Eric is my all time favourite player, but if you noticed, Eric in his last year was all over the place and not producing anything of substance. He obviously was not prepared to sit on the bench and Fergie could not do that to his main man, so quitting was the best option to keep his reputation alive.

For Peter, he did say he didn't want to play at this level anymore because it was too much to ask from him. Some people reach the limit and can't take it further.

Peter also was not at his best in the last year. He was losing atleast a goal every game. We lost a goal every game until the final against Munich. He also made the right decision to carry out his career playing for lower level clubs that only get to play a game every week.

 

[dmode]

I don't find any problem if Peter is still playing, he just loves the game...