Bobby Moore’s statue unveiled at new Wembley Stadium

England paid its homage to soccer legend Bobby Moore by installing a 20ft statue of its lone World Cup winning captain in front of the new Wembley Stadium. Moore led the English team which beat the then West Germany in the old Wembley Stadium in the final of the 1966 World Cup. The legendary defender died of cancer in 1993 at the age of 51. The statue was sculpted by Philip Jackson, the artist whose other works include Sir Matt Busby’s statue outside Old Trafford and one of Queen Elizabeth at Windsor Great Park. The inscription reads Immaculate footballer. Imperial defender. Immortal hero of 1966. First Englishman to raise the World Cup aloft. Favourite son of London’s East End. Finest legend of West Ham. National treasure. Master of Wembley. Lord of the game. Captain extraordinary. Gentleman for all time. Moore’s wife Stephanie Moore unveiled the statue and 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 was also present on the occasion along with few other members of the 1966 team. Blair said He was a true gentleman and represented all the very best of our country. Soccer legend Pele once had commented that of the hundreds of defenders he played against, Bobby Moore was the greatest.