When Eric Cantona said at a 1995 press conference: “When the seagulls follow the trawler, it is because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea,” everyone was left scratching their heads. Cantona made the statement after being ordered to speak to the press to explain his notorious kung-fu kick on an abusive Crystal Palace fan at Selhurst Park in January 1995. After nearly 30 years Cantona has revealed the inspiration for the quote and admitted his silence was his little revenge on the press. ‘It just came out’: Eric Cantona reveals inspiration for 1995 seagulls comment