A celebration of the life of football legend George Best took place at Manchester Cathedral on Thursday.
Friends, former players and fans were among the 1,000-strong congregation who paid tribute to the Manchester United and Northern Ireland star.
The event was also screened live for hundreds of people outside on the BBC Big Screen in Exchange Square.
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said Best had a "fantastic talent and the courage to express that talent".
The service, led by Dean of Manchester Rogers Govender, got under way at 1100 GMT with the hymn "Praise My Soul".
It had been devised by the Northern Ireland star's family, with Canon Paul Denby making the first address.
He said: "This is Manchester's chance to say goodbye, and to say it with thanks.
"Thank you George for all those memories. You were a football genius"
"George had God's gifts in abundance; the gift to play, to win, to entertain and to bring joy. We are richer for having known him, and he will always belong to us."
Best's son Callum, his father and sisters were at the service.
Speaking afterwards, Callum Best said: "It was very fitting to have a service here in Manchester. It is part of my dad's legacy.
"People have paid a great tribute and it has been an amazing day.
"As time goes by you would think things wouldn't affect us but they still do.
"Anything like this is heartfelt emotion, but today was more of a celebration than it was sad.
"It means a lot to me that so many people turned up."
The Irish actor James Nesbitt, former United team mate David Sadler, former Leeds United player and friend Eddie Gray were among those who gave tributes during the service.
Mr Nesbitt said Best was his "boyhood hero".
He said: "It is important not to under estimate George's impact on Northern Ireland", adding that Best "crossed the divide between communities".
Pupils from the nearby Chetham's School of Music performed, and opera singer Russell Watson sang "You Raise Me Up".
Former United manager Wilf McGuiness spoke of his time as Best's boss and his admiration of his playing talent.
He added: "Thank you George for all those memories. You were a football genius."
Players from the current Manchester United team - including Rio Ferdinand, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Louis Saha - attended the service, along with stars from the past such as Dennis Law.
Best died on 25 November 2005 in London's Cromwell Hospital after suffering multiple organ failure. He was 59 years old.
His funeral was held in Belfast on 3 December.
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