Man City unveil new statue outside Etihad Stadium in permanent tribute to three club icons

Manchester City have unveiled a permanent tribute to legendary trio Colin Bell, Francis Lee and Mike Summerbee outside the Etihad Stadium, commemorating their combined 30 years worth of football service to the club.

Celebrating City's success of the late 1960s and early 1970s, the bronze artwork of the iconic trio on a single plinth captures three of the most famous and popular players in the club's rich history. They pose in dynamic and characteristic ways that represent their styles of play.

In a further celebration of the era when City famously clinched the First Division title, the FA Cup, the League Cup and a European Cup Winners' Cup, the names of all 29 players who contributed to those successes are inscribed on a bronze plate that sits at the top of the statue's plinth. The installation was conceived and created by world-renowned sculptor Davd Williams-Ellis, and measures almost 4.5 metres (14.5 feet) high.

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It is also four metres (13 feet) wide and has an approximate weight of 2,000kgs (4,409lbs). The statue is positioned in proximity to the Colin Bell Stand - at the opposite side of the stadium to the statue of modern club greats including Vincent Kompany - meaning City's current stars and supporters will be reminded of the club's history every time they enter the stadium on matchdays.

City chairman Khaldoon Al Mulbarak said: "This statue honours three players who are unquestionably City legends and have deservedly earned a special place in the history of the Club and hearts of the whole City family.

"The artist's decision to feature the three men in motion on a