Bobby Moore - arguably England's greatest ever footballer - will forever live at the scene of his greatest triumph after a magnificent statue of the former World Cup winning captain was unveiled at Wembley Stadium on Friday.

The image of Bobby hoisting the Jules Rimet trophy as he sat on the shoulders of his victorious England team-mates is one every football fan knows well.

And now, thanks to the vision of acclaimed sculptor Philip Jackson, the six metre high statue of Moore will be head and shoulders above those who visit Wembley - just as he was more than 40 years ago.

Watched by Stephanie Moore, Bobby's former wife, Prime Minister Tony Blair and a number of other football dignitaries, including Sir Geoff Hurst, Moore's World Cup compatriot Sir Bobby Charlton pulled the chord to reveal the stunning statue which overlooks Wembley Way.

"He would have been proud and honoured," said Stephanie.

Just moments before the ceremony, a few rays of sunlight crept through the grey clouds, almost as if the great man was peering down on the famous stadium from the heavens to see what was going on.

"He was one of the greatest footballers the world has ever seen," said Sir Bobby, just moments before the unveiling.

"He was captain in 1966. England had the perfect leader. Had it not been for him we probably would not have won the World Cup.

"He was a great leader - 1966 will be remembered for the greatest sporting event that has ever happened in this country. All the players played their part, but Bobby did a little bit more than that.

"This [statue] is a symbol of our greatest man. It's there forever. It's fitting that it's here at Wembley."

Bobby died of bowel cancer 14 years ago, aged 51, after an astonishing career.

He made 108 appearances for England, 642 appearances for West Ham and was Footballer of the Year in 1964, Sports Personality of the Year in 1966 and was awarded the OBE in 1967.

Mr Blair was just 13 when England won the World Cup following a thrilling 4-2 win over West Germany.

"It was simply the most momentous event of my younger days," he said. "No one ever forgets where they were when that extraordinary final was played.

"Bobby Moore was a superb footballer. If you wanted a role model from public life, Bobby Moore is a pretty good one to take. He was a true gentleman. He stood for the values of our country."

Jeff Powell, award winning sports reporter and one of Bobby's closest friends, composed the inscription for the bronze plaque that is featured on the plinth.

It reads: "Immaculate footballer. Imperial defender. Immortal hero of 1966. First Englishman to raise the World Cup aloft. Favourite son of London's East End. Finest legend of West Ham United. National Treasure. Master of Wembley. Lord of the game. Captain extraordinary. Gentleman of all time."

The millions of football fans who will adoringly gaze at the statue of Bobby over the years will surely agree.