Manchester City legend Mike Summerbee received his OBE from Prince William at Windsor Castle yesterday.
Summerbee, an incredibly popular face at the Etihad who has worked for the club as a player and club ambassador for over 50 years, has been awarded the honour for services to football and charity.
The honour was bestowed upon Summerbee in the late Queen’s Birthday Honours list last year.
The England international had a hugely successful playing career in which he won every domestic honour with Manchester City, alongside tasting European success with the club during their European Cup Winners’ Cup triumph in 1970.
Speaking outside Windsor Castle, the 80-year-old Summerbee said: “It’s something that you don’t expect, especially at my age.
“I’ve had such a successful life as a footballer at Manchester City, and to get this on top of the trophies that we’ve won in those days is something fantastic.”
Summerbee was diagnosed with prostate cancer while supporting an event to encourage men of similar ages to get checked. He agreed to get tested to demonstrate how easy the process was, but despite feeling fit and healthy, tests gave doctors cause for concern and led to his diagnosis.
Speaking after his recovery in 2012, Summerbee said: “I’m just glad to be here and I hope to raise awareness of prostate cancer – that’s why I’m speaking about it.”
He has continued to tirelessly support charitable efforts to fight prostate cancer in the years since and the honour pays tribute to his work with Prostate Cancer UK and with the Christie Hospital in Manchester, which specialises in cancer treatment.
Khaldoon al-Mubarak, City’s chairman paid tribute to Summerbee, describing him as an ‘integral member’ of the Manchester City family. He said: “We are all immensely proud to see Mike honoured with his OBE.
“This is recognition so richly deserved, for a man who remains an incredible contributor to the game he loves and the charitable causes and community projects that he serves so selflessly.”
The club will further honour Summerbee with a statue outside the ground, expected to be put in place later this year. While full details have not yet been revealed, it will feature himself, Francis Lee and Colin Bell, all regarded as three of the greatest players in the club’s history.
So wonderfully deserved. God bless you, Mike!