A statue of Blackpool FC legend and former England captain Jimmy Armfield was unveiled outside Bloomfield Road yesterday.
Hundreds of fans gathered to witness the ceremony, including former England stars Sir Bobby Charlton and Sir Trevor Brooking.
The 9ft (2.74m) bronze structure, funded by the Blackpool Supporters' Association who raised £75,000, stands proudly outside the south-west corner of the ground.
The statue shows Mr Armfield in his 20s and was created by sculptor Les Johnson at his workshop in Hampshire.
The 75-year-old pulled down the curtain on the tribute exactly 40 years since unlacing his boots for the final time.
“I’m not usually lost for words, but this is an incredibly proud moment for me," an emotional Armfield told the Blackpool Gazette.
“Blackpool is my home and the fact the whole town and the supporters have been involved is very humbling.
“When the supporters association first approached me with the idea, I have to confess I wasn’t really in favour.
“I thought with all the will in the world, I haven’t got long enough left to see it happen, but they had already started and here we are today.
“So much effort has gone in and I’m very thankful.”
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