Cantona slams Ligue 1

The former France international says he is has little interest in the domestic scene, claiming that there is not a single top flight side worth paying money to go to see

Eric Cantona has slammed the quality of football on show in Ligue 1, arguing "there are more interesting things to do than go to the French championship".

The former France international, who played for the likes of Olympique de Marseille during his playing days, feels that there is currently not a single side in the top flight worth watching.

"If a team plays in France one day plays like Barcelona, I'll probably go see it," Cantona told RMC Sport. "But today, such a team does not exist. 

"This is not a criticism but there are more interesting things to do than go to the French championship.

"I am passionate about the game. I always wonder what may interest me, teach me something or surprise me. 

"When you go to the movies, you see a movie you may like, not a movie you will not like. 

"I go to the theatre to see the plays that I like, to exhibitions that I like, and the football games that I like."

Cantona, meanwhile, revealed that while he was not surprised by Real Madrid's decision to pay a record-breaking €100 million for Gareth Bale, he found the fee offensive in light of the country's dire financial situation.

"If they did it, it is because they must have had good reasons," the Manchester United legend mused. "Nobody invests in that way thinking they will lose money; that does not happen. 

"Aside from that, I find it a bit indecent in relation to the economic crisis in Spain."

Turning his attention to this year's battle for the Ballon d'Or, Cantona believes that treble-winner Franck Ribery deserves to pip Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to the accolade.

"These three are all fine players, creators, who have the ability to surprise," the 47-year-old enthused. "I think the difference will be determined by who won what, and therefore Ribery deserves it."

Cantona turned his hand to acting after retiring from football but is back in the game, working as director of soccer for New York Cosmos.