Eric Cantona was mobbed by fans on the way to the premiere of his new film in central London.

Security had to hold them back on Haymarket so the French star and former Manchester United footballer could enter the Cineworld Haymarket cinema to attend the screening of new thriller Switch, directed byFrederic Schoendoerffer, co-starring Pan Am star Karine Vanasse.

Mr Cantona − who left England after retiring from football 15 years ago − said what he missed most about the country was “the food”. He added, with a laugh “broccoli”.

The 45-year-old actor plays Detective Forgeat, a Paris policeman on the trail of escaped murder suspect Sophie Malaterre, who insists she has been framed.

Asked if he did all his own stunts in the action film, he joked: “You insult me!

“I really enjoy it. I asked for everything. They prepared a stunt double for some things but I found it exciting so I wanted to do it myself.”

Mr Cantona also revealed he shadowed a real French police office as research for the role.

He said: “I discovered a lot of things which gave me great inspiration.”