MANCHESTER UNITED'S French international Eric Cantona has broken his 18 month silence, saying he had learnt not to behave like a child.
Cantona, who has not spoken publicly since his infamous assault on Crystal Palace fan Matthew Simmons in January 1995, said he had learnt from that incident.
"Before that night I was behaving like a child. I was prepared to repeat the same mistake again and again. After it I realised that that was an irresponsible habit," he told L'Equipe newspaper.
Cantona, who won his third championship medal in four seasons with Manchester United on Sunday, had no sympathy for Simmons, who assaulted the prosecuting lawyer after he was found guilty of abusive behaviour towards Cantona.
"I don't think about him much only that his assault on the lawyer last Thursday speaks for itself" commented Cantona.
The former French captain, who stands on the brink of a unique second double of Cup and league wins when United play Liverpool in the FA Cup Final on Saturday said he was not certain whether he would be included in the French squad for the European Championships in June.
"I have followed what's been going on in France, but as for being in the French team we'll have to see. I have a lot of friends in the team and with or without me I wish the team well," the 29 year old Frenchman said.
He was not so warm about David Ginola, his fellow French international playing for Premiership runners up Newcastle United.
"I think there are some people who talk too much, the most important thing is what is done on the pitch, and I count this title the equal of the first I won with Manchester United," he said.
He said he was delighted to have played such a large part in United's title triumph, as he owed manager Alex Ferguson and his team mates for their faith and loyalty.
United finished runners up in both the Premiership and the Cup Final after Cantona was suspended last season, leading pundits to suggest that they would have won both if he had not lost his temper.
"I have signed a contract and I will stay here as a sign of my faith and trust in Alex Ferguson and my team mates. It was Ferguson who persuaded me to stay after that incident and I wish to carry on repaying his faith in me," Cantona said.
