Manchester City have unveiled a statue of Colin Bell, Mike Summerbee and Francis Lee at the Etihad Stadium in honour of their legendary 1960s team.
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City unveil statue tribute to great 1960s sideBell, Lee and Summerbee depicted in new bustBlues won four trophies between 1968 & 1970WHAT HAPPENED?
The statue depicts Colin Bell, Francis Lee and Mike Summerbee, the three forwards who spearheaded City's golden era in the late 1960s, when the Blues won the 1968 English league title, the 1969 FA Cup and the 1970 Cup Winners Cup and League Cup. The names of the 29 players who contributed to the trophy-laden era are inscribed on a bronze plate on the statue.
AdvertisementManchester CityTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Bell, Summerbee and Lee were regarded as City's greatest-ever players until the club were bought by Sheikh Mansour in 2008, ushering in a new era of success that would see the club win seven league titles between 2012 and 2023 and lift the Champions League. The club have unveiled statues in tribute to Sergio Aguero, Vincent Kompany and David Silva in recent years and have now honoured their previous great generation of players. Summerbee is the only surviving member of the iconic striking trio. Bell passed away in 2021 while Lee died in October of this year.
WHAT MIKE SUMMERBEE SAID
Summerbee said: “I feel incredibly lucky to be recognised in this way, amongst friends whose contribution to our history this club never forgets, despite the amazing success we have enjoyed in recent years. It is an honour to be part of this extraordinary club.”
GettyWHAT NEXT FOR MAN CITY?
Supporters will be able to see the statue for the first time on Tuesday when City host RB Leipzig in the Champions League, hoping to seal top spot in their group. Pep Guardiola's side will be back in Premier League action five days later at home to Tottenham.