Former Manchester United star Eric Cantona has revealed that he wants to welcome a refugee family into his home for "at least" two years.

Thousands of people, many of whom are from Syria, have been travelling to European shores to flee from conflict.

Cantona, who spent five years playing for United, has claimed that he was inspired to provide relief due to his grandparents' decision to flee war.

"I'm organising that with authorities in Marseille," Cantona told France Inter radio. "If you house someone who does not have the right to work, then they need to eat too.

"My maternal grandparents were Spanish Republicans who fled Franco by crossing the Pyrenees on foot. That being our story, it certainly played a role."

Numerous football clubs, including Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, have helped the effort with financial donations.