Sunday November 8, 2009
Capello in awe as he unveils Ramsey bust
LONDON: England manager Fabio Capello was awe-struck as he unveiled a bust at Wembley of Sir Alf Ramsey, the man whose World Cup winning achievement he hopes to emulate in South Africa next year.
Ramsey became the first and so far only England manager to lead the side to World Cup glory when in 1966 he guided the hosts to a triumph that culminated with a 4-2 extra-time Wembley final win over West Germany.
Several members of the late Ipswich manager’s victorious England side, including final hat-trick star Sir Geoff Hurst, as well as Sir Bobby Charlton, Martin Peters and George Cohen, were at Wembley on Friday for the unveiling of a bust that will be displayed in the tunnel area of the stadium.
I want to be like you: England manager Fabio Capello posing with a bust of former England manager Sir Alf Ramsey after it was unveiled at Wembley on Friday. — Reuters “It is not easy for me to talk in front of world champions, it’s very emotional,” said Capello.
“I saw the England final on TV and remember everything, and now I am England manager.
“I remember my history in football and the first time I met Sir Bobby Charlton, it’s magical for me and incredible to be here among these players.”
Capello also unveiled a replica of the Jules Rimet trophy, the prize awarded to World Cup final winning teams before Brazil were allowed to keep it permanently after being crowned world champions for a third time in 1970.
“I think all the fans hope that the new (World) Cup will be here (at Wembley),” Capello added.
Next week sees England continue their build-up to the World Cup with a friendly against Brazil in Doha.
Several players are set to miss the match because of injury, including Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand and Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard.
However, United striker Wayne Rooney is expected to be fit and Old Trafford great Charlton said he would be delighted if the ex-Everton forward, who has so far netted 25 times in 56 internationals, broke his England record of 49 goals.
“Nothing would give me greater pleasure,” Charlton said. “I would be happy if that happened. I think he is a terrific player, inspirational, and people like him. As long as he doesn’t get suspended for arguing with referees or doing something daft on the pitch — he is learning rapidly and doing less and less of that.” — AFP
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