PARIS () -- Eric Cantona, omitted from the French team for next month's European championships, has reacted with a typical burst of bizarre imagery.


The Manchester United striker was banned for eight months last year after assaulting a Crystal Palace supporter. On his return to the premier league he inspired United to its second league and Cup double and was named as the English player of the year.


"I think a lot of officials thought I was dead after the Crystal Palace case," Cantona said. "Since I was not completely dead and since I even [was] resurrected, they have done everything they could to make sure I died a second time. We'll see who dies in the end."


Cantona said he had accepted the decision "with serenity."