Manchester United's French star, Eric Cantona, received a glowing accolade before a joint session of British Parliament yesterday following an address by the French President, Jacques Chirac.

The House of Commons Speaker, Betty Boothroyd, noted that last weekend French flags had also been unfurled throughout Britain.

It was not in honour of one of your great statesmen, philosophers or generals, but the man considered by many of my compatriots, perhaps lightheartedly, as the greatest living Frenchman," she told a smiling Chirac.