Eric Cantona has made his long-awaited return to football with the legendary New York Cosmos.

The enigmatic former Manchester United star will take up a role as Director of Soccer with the MLS club, who are due to return to action in 2013.

Cantona, who hung up his boots in 1997, has long-resisted a comeback, other than playing beach football. But he has been swayed by the opportunity to work with one of the most iconic names in the sport.

He said: "I am very honoured to join the legendary New York Cosmos. It's a big project, a wonderful project.

"The Cosmos are very strong, beautifully made, with a great past. It's kind of a mix between football and art.

"I will do everything I can to help us first find our way to regain the No 1 position in the United States, and then for us to become one of the best clubs in the world."

Former Tottenham chairman, Paul Kemsley, is leading the Cosmos’ rebirth after the club folded in 1985.

In their heyday Cosmos won five national championships and boasted one of the most star-studded line-ups ever assembled in the game.

Former players include Pele, Franz Beckenbauer, Carlos Alberto, Giorgio Chinaglia, Johan Neeskens and City legend, Dennis Tueart.

At their height they played in front of crowds of almost 50,000 and came as close as anyone to making football truly take off in the States.

Now Kemsley, with Cantona’s help, wants to see them become the major force in America once again.

“Three years ago, when I first had the idea of reviving The New York Cosmos, I couldn't have dreamt we'd be able to attract an icon of the likes of Eric Cantona to the club,” he said. "It's a personal thrill for me, as he was one of my heroes, and it is a further endorsement to the global attraction and power that The New York Cosmos carries."