The Irish Football Association has been presented with a “fabulous” portrait of Northern Ireland legend George Best.
The portrait, which has been on display at George Best Belfast City Airport for the past nine years, will fittingly hang in the lounge named after the late Manchester United star and global football icon at the Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park.
It was donated to the airport by Belfast artist Paul Wilson. ‘Archangel’, which depicts Best in his prime, is a digital print on canvas of a piece painted in oils by the artist.
Former MLA and Belfast City councillor Sammy Douglas, who helped to officially unveil the portrait at the airport back in 2016, was instrumental in getting the print transferred to the National Stadium.
The idea for the artwork came about as a result of a conversation the artist had with George’s sister Barbara.
He said he was delighted George was coming “home” to the National Stadium.
“I tried to capture his essence. I’m an artist but I consider him an artist as much as I do Pablo Picasso. He inspires me as well as the likes of Picasso,” he pointed out.
The Belfast artist also thanked the Irish FA for providing him with the opportunity to hang the portrait at the stadium.
Irish FA President Conrad Kirkwood said it will be very fitting that the first thing people see when they enter the George Best Lounge will be the impressive portrait.
“The idea that George Best is coming home to the George Best Lounge is incredible,” he added.
Irish FA chief executive Patrick Nelson thanked Paul Wilson for donating the portrait to the association and said the “fabulous print” would rightly take pride of place in the George Best Lounge.
Header image: Artist Paul Wilson displays the George Best portrait at the Clearer Twist National Stadium flanked by Irish FA President Conrad Kirkwood and Belfast City councillor Sammy Douglas.
