A life-size statue of football legend George Best is to be unveiled outside Windsor Park on what would have been his 73rd birthday.
After years in the planning and efforts to fund raise the cost of the Bestie bronze, it will finally be put on public display on May 22.
It is expected to be erected on the new Olympia boulevard outside the grounds where the public will have full access to it.
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The idea for the statue came together thanks to a childhood memory of three of the men involved in its creation.
A source said: “As youngsters these three young friends plucked up the courage to knock on George’s door when he was about 18 and asked him if he wanted to come out to play football in the street.
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“George accepted the invitation happily and ended up playing football with about 50 children that day. It must have been quite a sight. And three of those boys grew into three men who held that memory close and vowed to ensure the memory of their childhood and football hero was honoured in a permanent memorial."
Belfast City Council was offered the gift of the sculpture of the East Belfast man by the Lecale Bronze art group.
The artists, Tony Currie, Jeremy Flanagan and James Miles, offered the crowdfunded gift on the basis the council arranged for installation somewhere accessible to the public.
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And now it is planned that the bronze will take pride of place at the new Olympia entrance area - just yards from Windsor Park where the footballer played numerous times over his career.
The Best family viewed images of the statue, approved the work and assured them of their support and they are also in support of the planned location of the statue.
And they will be invited along with special guests from across the globe for the special unveiling.
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The idea was for the world to remember the Belfast boy for his footballing genius, which the organisers say was Bestie’s wish: “To be remembered for the football.”
A spokesperson said: “In undertaking this project, we are sincerely aware that George’s life was one which was not without problems and these were sometimes immense both for himself and those close to him.
“Tony Currie, the Belfast Sculptor, has made a life-size statue in clay of George Best which captures movement and likeness as George dribbles the ball in that brilliantly balanced way for which he was famous. Everyone who has viewed the statue or images of it agrees that Tony has created an iconic sculpture.
“No matter where you are from in the world, if you are moved when you view images of George Best playing you will know why so many of us treasure this genius and why we want to see this project through to fruition.
“It will be placed close to the stadium where fans attending matches and the general public will have access to the statue. The Council will fund the erecting of the statue, assume ownership and undertake to maintain the statue in the future.
“Whilst not involved in the fundraising appeal, we are very grateful to members of the Best family, Belfast City Council, The Irish Football Association and many others who are very kindly lending support to this project.”
Funds raised were used to pay for materials, artist and foundry fees with an initial target of £40,000. Belfast's favourite son died in 2005, age 59.
A spokesperson from Belfast City Council said: "We are delighted to work with the Best family, the sculptor, and all the other parties involved to help locate the new George Best statue close to Windsor Park, home of the Northern Ireland football team, and our own Olympia Leisure Centre.
"Given that George’s talents made him one of the country’s most well-known sporting stars, this statue will undoubtedly be a draw for visitors and tourists alike.”
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