Aberdeen make Sir Alex's statue to honour his "immense" contribution

"

I am thrilled and honoured by this recognition from Aberdeen Football Club, where I spent a fantastic and memorable part of my managerial career,

" said Sir Alex,

"I am particularly pleased with the image the club has chosen to base the statue on and with the choice of sculptor whose recent work is incredibly lifelike. I can't wait to see it!"

Sir Alex Ferguson led Aberdeen from 1978 to 1986, winning three league titles and four Scottish cups. He also managed the club to the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup and Super Cup in 1983. Sir Alex left Aberdeen for the Red Devils in 1986.

The statue will be based on a photograph taken of Sir Alex on Easter Road in 1980 after Aberdeen's title win.

Aberdeen chairman Dave Cormack said: "

Sir Alex's contribution to the club was immense and it's fitting that we honour him in this way

.

"His arrival at Pittodrie heralded the start of the most successful period in the club's history and put Aberdeen firmly on the football map of Europe.

"The year after next marks the 40th anniversary of our European Cup Winners' Cup triumph in Gothenburg, along with winning the European Super Cup, so while this honour is long overdue, it comes at a fitting time.

"We began exploring the idea of a series of statues to recognise those legends who have made a lasting impact on the club, over 18 months ago, but the process stalled due to the pandemic.

"It's now very much back on our agenda and, when it came to deciding the subject of the first one, there was of course only one option, Sir Alex Ferguson."

Chris Gavin of AFC Heritage Trust added:

"We are delighted to be involved with this project. Sir Alex is not only the greatest Aberdeen manager, but one of the great living Scots, known throughout the World for the top‐class boss that he is."

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