Wembley's Moore statue unveiled

The sculpture of Moore, who died of cancer in 1993 at the age of 51, has been created by artist Philip Jackson.

Prime Minister Tony Blair, who was among those who attended the unveiling, said Moore was an extremely important person for people of his generation.

Stephanie Moore, widow, said the sculptor Philip Jackson had done "an incredible job of capturing Bobby".

The 20ft (6m) statue, weighing about two tons, has been positioned to face down Olympic Way.

True gentleman

Mr Blair said: "If you want a role model in public life, Bobby Moore is a pretty good one to take. He was a true gentleman."

Mrs Moore 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."

Moore won 108 caps for England, captaining the team 90 times. He played for West Ham United from 1958 to 1974, before finishing his league career with Fulham.

Mr Jackson, from Cocking, near Midhurst in West Sussex, has also created statues of Sir Matt Busby outside Old Trafford and the Queen in Windsor Great Park.

Speaking on BBC Radio Five Live, Mr Jackson said he consulted a small group of former players who had known Moore "to get from them what it was about Bobby Moore that makes him this iconic figure".

"What emerged was he was this extraordinary presence in the team, which gave this enormous confidence and allowed the team to sort of win through in '66 and so I created the sculpture in this sort of old fashioned heroic style."

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
Football Association
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Bobby Moore interviews
Philip Jackson Sculpture
On This Day - England win 1966 World Cup
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