Eric Cantona

Mr. Antoine Allonsius, a newcomer among Eric Cantona's paladins, shows by his disconcerting Sept. 9 letter that he does not have a clear idea of what a real soccer player is or should be.

He attributes my opinion on Cantona to jealousy. He has delivered an incompetent technical dissertation on some Italian players like Roberto Baggio, Zola and Del Piero, showing that soccer is not his strong point. To relate the said players to Cantona means to compare engravers with caterpillar drivers.

Mr. Allonsius wrote, "Cantona is a genius of soccer". The statement is not only bold and ridiculous but dangerous as well. He could run the risk of being sued for slander by the real soccer geniuses like Pele, Maradona, Platini, van Basten, etc.

He also said, "There is some genius in Cantona's feet". I think a soccer player should use his brains first and his feet afterwards. But should it be true, why not play barefoot? While it would be good to give the green light to Cantona's feet genius for public security, it would also be fitting to try curbing the genius he probably has in his hand, therefore, "shoes off" and "gloves on". It could be the way for becoming an acceptable player.

PIERO RONCI

Jakarta