Bobby Moore statue unveiled at Wembley

Updated 13.46 Fri May 11 2007
Keywords: Stephanie Moore, Bobby Charlton, Wembley, Tony Blair, Bobby Moore

A bronze statue of England World Cup hero Bobby Moore has been unveiled at Wembley Stadium.

The statue by Philip Jackson honours Mr Moore, who died of cancer in 1993 aged 51. He is fondly remembered for lifting the World Cup when England beat West Germany 4-2 at the former stadium in 1966.

"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" - Stephanie Moore

Tony Blair began the last few weeks of his premiership by attending the ceremony along with other football greats such as Sir Bobby Charlton and Sir Geoff Hurst.

The Prime Minister sat next to Mr Moore's widow Stephanie, who paid tribute to her husband and added: "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."

Mr Blair made reference to his resignation as he praised everyone who worked on the construction of the much delayed new stadium. He said: "I would like to congratulate everybody who has been involved with the new Wembley Stadium.

"For obvious reasons I might not get another chance to say it and I would like to say it. At times it must have been a bit of a long wait, but it is absolutely magnificent. It is superb and a great landmark for London and the whole country."

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