Manchester City unveil bronze statue of legendary players Colin Bell, Francis Lee and Mike Summerbee
Video report by Granada Reports Sports Correspondent, Chris Hall.
Manchester City has unveiled a permanent tribute to legendary trio Colin Bell, Francis Lee and Mike Summerbee outside the Etihad Stadium, commemorating their combined 30 years of football service to the club.
The bronze artwork of the men captures three of the most popular players in the club's history in poses that are characteristic of their styles of play.
The names of all 29 players who contributed to this trophy-winning period when City won the First Division title, the FA Cup, the League Cup and a European Cup Winners’ Cup, are also inscribed on a bronze plate on the statue.
The installation was created by world-renowned sculptor David Williams-Ellis, and measures almost 4.5 metres high (14.5 feet) and four metres wide (13 feet), with an approximate weight of 2,000 kilos (4,409 pounds).
Manchester City’s Chairman, Khaldoon Al Mubarak said: "This statue honours three players who are unquestionably City legends and have deservedly earned a special place in the history of the Club and hearts of the whole City family."
Mike Summerbee said: "This is a truly special moment for me and my family. I joined Manchester City in 1965 and it is the best decision I could have possibly made. 50 years later, I am still here, still treated with such respect.
"I feel incredibly lucky to be recognised in this way, amongst friends whose contribution toour history this Club never forgets, despite the amazing success we have enjoyed in recentyears. It is an honour to be part of this extraordinary club.
"There’s not many people that have statues of them…to have this monument is really incredible."
Speaking on behalf of his late father Colin, Jon Bell said: "This Football Club meant so much to my father. He gave so much to Manchester City, not just throughout his playing career but beyond it into his later life.
"His bond with this Club’s supporters was truly exceptional and that he will be rememberedin this way forever is something that our whole family is incredibly touched by and will takegreat pride in."
He added: "It invites the new generation to ask questions about the history, and where we have come from which certainly haas built the resilience the city supporters have. We enjoy great times now, and we enjoyed great times in the past.
"Dad would be slightly embarrassed there’s a statue of him, but it’s nice to see the whole team recognised because it’s a team sport, it's not an individual sport."
Following Francis Lee's death in October 2023, his son Jonny Lee attended the unveiling.
He said: "It's amazing to be here, it’s the first time we’ve seen it. It’s absolutely incredible, the whole family is absolutely chuffed. It’s just such a dynamic statue…the three of them are there, doing different things but they are together. It’s a really lovely tribute."
He continued: "He would have been chuffed, he would have said a few funny things I'm sure.
"Can never keep quiet with dad, he always had to say something…but he would have really liked it."
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