George Best's fans are to be given the opportunity to pay for a £200,000 (€295,000) statue of the football legend in Belfast, it was announced yesterday.
A special fund has been set up to meet the costs of a life-size bronze sculpture in Belfast city centre.
With current Northern Ireland international favourite David Healy appointed patron of the scheme, Best's sister Barbara McNarry expressed her delight at the plans.
She said: "From the beginning of this process it was made clear to us that the family's views were paramount and it was our wish that the statue should be located in the city centre to be accessible to all, regardless of colour, class or creed, which reflects George's philosophy on life . . .
"In the aftermath of George's death, the outpouring of support and sympathy was unbelievable. But people wanted to do more than that and I hope this will be seen as an opportunity to pay their respects in a lasting, tangible way."
The former Manchester United star's death in November last year at the age of 59, after a long battle with alcoholism, unlocked a wave of grief. Since then a memorial trust involving family members, Belfast City Council, government, sporting and culture representatives has been discussing plans for a memorial.
They have decided the statue should depict Best at the peak of his powers in a Northern Ireland shirt with the iconic number seven on the back.
Expressions of interest from sculptors will be sought in January, with an appointment made in March. The sculpture is to be unveiled by the second anniversary of Best's death next November.- (PA)