George Best’s sister Barbara McNarry was among those who attended the unveiling of the statue to the footballing legend in south Belfast. 

A life size bronze statue of football legend George Best has been unveiled in south Belfast.

The statue was revealed on May 22nd, on what would have been Best’s 73rd birthday.

The former Manchester United and Northern Ireland great died in December 2005 aged 59.

The statue was created by Belfast sculptor Tony Currie from the art group Lecale Bronze, which had appealed for funding through public donations.

The sculpture, which has been gifted to Belfast City Council, will be on permanent display outside Olympia Leisure Centre, at the main entrance to the National Stadium at Windsor Park.

George Best’s sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Norman McNarry, were in attendance at the unveiling, which they described as an “amazing tribute”.
 
“This amazing tribute to George is very special and one which live on for many generations.

“In July 1961, the road from Belfast took George to far off places and glittering heights. In December 2005, that road brought him back to Northern Ireland where tens of thousands lined the streets to say farewell.

“Today that road has finally brought our Belfast Boy home forever to the city, to the people and to the family who love him most of all,” they said.
 
Belfast-born artist, Tony Currie from Lecale Bronze, who sculpted the statue said: “I would like to thank all fans for their donations to the project via our crowd funding appeal. They have hopefully enabled me to fulfil George’s wish to be ‘remembered for the football’.

"In completing this project we have always recognised that George faced difficulties in his life and that these were at times immense for both himself and those close to him.

“I would therefore like to record our thanks to Barbara and Norman for buying into our vision and supporting us every step of the way. I would also like to thank Belfast City Council for helping us manage this project throughout, and the Irish Football Association for all the help that they have given.”

The Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast, councillor Peter McReynolds, said: “I’m delighted to accept ownership of this memorial to George Best, one of Belfast’s most well-known sports stars and a footballer who is considered by many to be one of the game’s all-time greats.

"We are delighted to have worked closely with the Best family, Lecale Bronze, the Irish Football Association and the other parties who have come together to help make this happen.
 
“Given that George’s talents made him one of the country’s best known sports stars, this statue will undoubtedly be a draw for visitors and tourists alike.

“Its location beside popular sport and leisure facilities and the main entrance to the National Stadium at Windsor Park will hopefully inspire future generations of young footballers to follow their dreams,” he added.