Some parents choose their children’s names after a grandparent, a book, or a song. Erica’s father chose one after a striker.
English international Erica Meg Parkinson told the story with humor: her father is a huge Manchester United fan, and when she was born, he knew exactly what to do.
Her name was a tribute to Eric Cantona, the iconic Frenchman who made his mark at Old Trafford. “My father is a huge Man United fan; they named me after Eric Cantona!”, she revealed with a laugh.
A detail that seems like a simple anecdote, but says a lot: before Erica ever stepped onto a pitch, football was already written into her name.
Today she plays in England’s shirt and carries with her, without anyone ever asking her to, a piece of the Red Devils’ history.