Greats gather to greet trophy

Handed back
The European Champion Clubs' Cup was handed back to UEFA Chief Executive Gerhard Aigner by holders Real Madrid CF at the Town Hall of the English city, which will host this season's Champions League final at Old Trafford on 28 May.

Former greats
Di Stéfano, who is Madrid's honorary president, and former winger Gento won the trophy five times during the Spanish club's reign as European champions between 1956 and 1960. Gento then lifted the cup as captain in 1966. Also present was Emilio Butragueño who twice won the UEFA Cup with Madrid in the 1980s and is now the club's sporting director.

On display
The trophy, which Mr Aigner then presented to the Lord Mayor of Manchester, Roy Walters, for safekeeping will be displayed at the city's Museum of Science and Industry until being moved to Old Trafford for the final.

'Special moment'
Mr Aigner also gave portraits of past matches between Madrid and United to Di Stéfano and Gento, and to Sir Bobby Charlton and Denis Law, members of United's European Cup-winning team of 1968. The UEFA CEO said: "Manchester is the Mecca of football and the place to be. It was time to stage the final here. The time was right, the atmosphere was right and for me it will be a special moment."

United support
Today's ceremony was attended by other members of United's 1968 side including Pat Crerand, Bill Foulkes and Alex Stepney. United were also represented by Wales manager Mark Hughes and ex-England captain Bryan Robson. Meanwhile, four-times European champions Liverpool FC sent along former player Phil Neal, and Francis Lee attended from United's neighbours Manchester City FC.

Trophy treasured
Mr Walters, the Lord Mayor, said: "Football has a special place in the heart of Mancunians and the word Manchester is synonymous with football across the world. We are proud to be associated with this event and we will treasure the trophy while it is in our city."

Proud host
Manchester City Council leader Richard Leese said: "Manchester is proud to be the host city to the biggest single sporting event in the world this year – the UEFA Champions League final. It will draw into Manchester thousands of visitors, involve hundreds of volunteers and continue our strategy to use major events to promote our city."

Starball Match
Prior to the ceremony, guests saw the end of the 24-hour Starball Match, which was played between midday yesterday and today, outside the Town Hall in Albert Square.