Media Release Date: 28/04/2009 Communiqué aux médias No. 053 Medien-Mitteilung

Michel Platini to present UEFA President’s Award to Sir Bobby Charlton

Award to be presented ahead of UEFA Champions League semi-final

UEFA President is to travel to ahead of Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League semi-final between Manchester United FC and Arsenal FC to present the prestigious UEFA President’s Award 2008 to Sir Bobby Charlton, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to European football. The presentation will take place Wednesday 29 April at 12:45 local time in the Platinum Lounge, North Stand, Old Trafford and interested media should contact Phil Townsend on Tel: +44-161-868 8697.

The UEFA President Award was introduced back in 1998 to acknowledge not only the achievements of an elite group of personalities of European football in a variety of domains, but also their professional excellence and human qualities.

When Michel Platini took office in 2007 he decided unhesitatingly to pursue the tradition, albeit with a greater focus on the true protagonists, that is the players and the invaluable contribution that they, through their careers, have made to the development and success of football in Europe and beyond.

The first milestone was reached on 18 February 2008 when Michel Platini demonstrated his deep admiration for a 'great among greats', Real Madrid CF's legend Alfredo di Stéfano, in bestowing upon him his first UEFA President's Award.

Commenting on awarding the UEFA President’s Award 2008 to Manchester United FC legend Sir Bobby Charlton, UEFA President Michel Platini, said:

“It is a great privilege for me to present the UEFA President’s Award to such an outstanding gentleman and ambassador for our game as Sir Bobby Charlton.

“Sir Bobby represents everything that is good about the game of football; fair play, respect, and true loyalty and he is a good example for future generations, both on and off the pitch. He has achieved success at domestic level, at European level and at international level and has been a role model for many. It therefore gives me great pleasure to be able to personally present him with the UEFA President’s Award for 2008.”

Upon receiving the award Sir Bobby Charlton said:

“I am honoured to receive this award from the UEFA President. Many of the most memorable games I have been involved in both as a player and a director have been in UEFA competitions; there is no doubt that the European Cup – now the UEFA Champions League – holds a special place in my heart. It is a real privilege to follow one of the greatest names ever in the game, Alfredo di Stéfano, as the latest recipient of this award.”

Bobby Charlton’s career spanned from 1953-73 as a player at Manchester United FC and 1974 at Preston North End FC. He made 106 appearances and scored 49 goals for England. He was voted European Footballer of the Year in 1966, was a FIFA World Cup winner in 1966, won the European Champion Clubs’ Cup (now UEFA Champions League) in 1968, and made 47 appearances and scored 22 goals in UEFA club competitions.

For further information: UEFA Media Services: ++41 848 04 27 27