Former Manchester United star Eric Cantona believes that Paris Saint-Germain playmaker Javier Pastore is the best player in the world.

Pastore has had an up-and-down career in Paris since his £28m move from Palermo in 2011, but Cantona still ranks him higher than the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

He told reporters: "Today the best player in the world, the most exciting player in the world, is Pastore from Paris Saint Germain. Why? Because I watched two games just to see Pastore playing, giving passes. He's got something special.

"Football is interaction, that is why football is so popular I think, and Pastore can do things that others don't know. He does things that surprise you every time. Not only on scoring goals, spectacular goals all the time, just passing, passing.

"He's a very creative player, he's the most creative player in the world today, that's why I think he's the best player in the world because he's this kind of player - I love this kind of player."

Pastore is expected to feature against Barcelona in the Champions League tomorrow night.