A statue of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning captain Bobby Moore was unveiled by his widow at the new Wembley Stadium on Friday.
Moore, who died of cancer in 1993 aged 51, is fondly remembered for lifting the trophy when England beat West Germany at the former stadium, which was demolished to make way for the new 90 000-seater arena that opened this year.
The statue will face fans walking along Olympic Way at next week’s FA Cup final between Manchester United and Chelsea, the first to be held at Wembley since 2000.
Moore’s widow Stephanie, who attended the unveiling, said: ”I am delighted that Bobby’s career is being recognised in such an appropriate way and in such a perfect place as Wembley — he belongs to football and to the fans.”
Prime Minister Tony Blair, who attended the ceremony along with members of the 1966 team, paid a glowing tribute to Moore, saying: ”He was a true gentleman and represented all the very best of our country.”
Moore, who was also captain of West Ham United, played 108 times for England after making his international debut against Peru in 1962. Brazilian great Pele once said of him: ”Of the hundreds of defenders who played against me during my career I pick Bobby Moore as the greatest of them all.”
The statue was created by artist Philip Jackson, who was also responsible for one of Matt Busby outside Old Trafford and one of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth at Windsor Great Park. — Reuters