Manchester United football legend Denis Law has been honoured with an eye-catching five-metre statue in Aberdeen.
Mr Law, one of Manchester United and Scotland’s greatest-ever players, returned to his hometown alongside fellow great Sir Alex Ferguson and Lord Provost Barney Crockett for the unveiling this morning.
The five-metre sculpture, which depicts the Printfield-born striker scoring for the Scottish national team, has been erected beside the historic Provost Skene’s House.
Scotland’s only winner of the Ballon d’Or, football’s top individual accolade, the sporting legend looked happy and relaxed as he joked with onlookers.
Denis Law: ‘Aberdeen means everything to me’
Speaking to a crowd of invited guests at the private ceremony, Mr Law – who was previously awarded the Freedom of Aberdeen – declared the city “means everything” to him.
His close friend Mr Ferguson, who managed Aberdeen to European glory before 26 hugely successful years at United, hailed him as the “greatest Scottish player of all time”.
He also praised Mr Law’s courage in a moment made even more poignant after he revealed he had been diagnosed with dementia earlier this year.
“I think Denis epitomises a Scotsman,” he added.
“He showed fantastic courage to go down to Huddersfield as a young kid. He had a chance to be a great player and he took the chance. His career was incredible.”
As well as being one of Manchester United’s greatest players, Mr Law also turned out for Manchester City, Huddersfield Town and Torino.
He is the Scottish national team’s all-time record goalscorer with 30, and in 1964 became the only Scot to win the Ballon d’Or.
Law ‘an inspiration to all’
Away from the game he is also involved with the Denis Law Legacy Trust, which works with young people in the Granite City.
“The Denis Law Legacy Trust is delighted that the ‘Legend’ statue has finally been unveiled to the public in the heart of Aberdeen,” said trustee David Suttie.
“Denis is a real hero and such a modest man, an inspiration to us all.
“In today’s world of mind-boggling transfer fees, it is impossible to estimate what Denis would command.
“The statue is a fitting and lasting tribute to Denis, who has contributed so much to Aberdeen through his charitable work and his remarkable football career.”