Crystal Palace vs Manchester United FA Cup final: Yohan Cabaye inspired by Red Devils legend Eric Cantona

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Crystal Palace midfielder Yohan Cabaye has revealed his admiration for Eric Cantona, two days before the Eagles take on Manchester United in the FA Cup final.

Cabaye has said his first memory of the FA Cup was when Cantona, his fellow Frenchman, scored the winning goal to help United lift the trophy over arch-rivals Liverpool in 1996.

Just a year earlier, Cantona suffered his most infamous moment as a player when he kicked a Palace fan shortly after being sent off in the Premier League game at Selhurst Park, which earned the Frenchman a nine-month suspension from the game.

But despite the highly controversial moment against his current side Palace, Cabaye admits the United legend has always been an inspiration for him.

"My first memory of the FA Cup was United against Liverpool when Cantona scored," he said.

"I was young, at home with my parents. I was watching football all the time. It was great, even if I was only 10, I can remember.

"I was aware of Cantona's influence on English football. It wasn't on TV in France every day like it is now.

"But when a French player was playing, of course, the game was on live. We could watch it.

"Cantona, even David Ginola, were very important for French players to know more about the Premier League.

"I liked Cantona's mentality. He had fantastic confidence and he was such a great player."

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