'Once in a lifetime' - Manchester City unveil new tribute to Manchester icon with 'remarkable legacy'
Manchester City have unveiled a new tribute to Sir Howard Bernstein outside the Etihad Stadium.
The mosaic - unveiled ahead of the game against Arsenal by chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak and Sir Howard’s close family - sits on the road that bears his name and completes an existing memorial.
The man credited as one of the architects of Manchester’s resurgence, Sir Howard was city council chief executive for 20 years and among other distinguished roles, City’s honorary president. He died at the age of 71 back in June.
Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak, said: “Sir Howard was a rare – once in a lifetime – champion for change and progress. His legacy surrounds us in a succession of bold projects and initiatives for Manchester that were always built on the foundations of the community's needs.
“His remarkable legacy is the result of a unique ability to unite people around a clear vision with incredible humility.
“The new mosaic that we have unveiled today shows Sir Howard in a pose that is instantly recognisable to all who knew him. It completes a permanent tribute at our stadium for a man whose contributions to Manchester, and love for his club, will resonate for generations to come.”
In the mosaic from renowned Manchester artist Mark Kennedy, Sir Howard is depicted wearing a blue and white club scarf with the image taken from a photo picked by his family. He is captured in what was, for those who knew him, a familiar thoughtful pose – resting his chin on one hand.
Inside the stadium there was a minute’s applause for Sir Howard before the draw with Arsenal while the City players and Pep Guardiola wore black armbands.