Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak led the tributes to Mike Summerbee after the club legend was awarded an OBE by Prince William.
Summerbee, one of the greatest players seen in a City shirt and now a club ambassador, was given the award for services to football and charity. He collected his honour from the heir to the throne in a ceremony at Windsor Castle on Tuesday.
"Today is a very special day for Mike, Tina, the Summerbee family and everyone connected with Manchester City," said Al Mubarak. "We are all immensely proud to see Mike honoured with his OBE.
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"This is a 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 to selflessly."
Reflecting on his award, Summerbee spoke of his honour at being recognised for his contributions. The club great also thanked his employers for allowing him to continue to be an active part of life at the Etihad.
"It's something that you don't expect, especially at my age," he said. "After such a successful life as a footballer at Manchester City, this on top of the trophies that we won in those days is fantastic.
"I never expected anything like this - I am so proud to have received this OBE and I know my family are too. Today has been such a special occasion - we will remember it for the rest of our lives.
"It never crosses your mind that anything like this can happen, it's a special thing to come to Windsor Castle and receive this from His Royal Highness. I've had a great career as a footballer and I'm at a great football club who have put me in an amazing position as an ambassador of the Premier League champions.
"It's just a pleasure - it's like playing football again without kicking a football."
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