Former Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti has spoken of failing to sign Manchester United legend Eric Cantona.

Moratti admits he was desperate to work with the Frenchman.

He stated: “The one who got away was Cantona. He's a player and a person who I was crazy about. Fate made it so after watching him dozens of times on television, I went for the first time to attend Manchester United against Crystal Palace, the game where he kicked a fan in the chest.

“It was not a good gesture, but amid that chaos I fell in love with Paul Ince, who I already appreciated as a player. Ince was throwing himself at everyone, police, opponents, fans and stewards, to defend his teammate. It might be strange to say this, but in those fists flying I saw more desire to protect than to inflict violence.

“It's no coincidence that then Ince came to Inter, while unfortunately for Cantona we never had the right timing. I visited him many times, but he had become tired of football after the ban and retired two years later."