As you might expect a lot of people have had their tuppenceworth on the new stadium, from David Beckham to Trevor Brooking. We've got them all.
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The Chief Executive, Adam Crozier:
"It has been a long haul to reach a successful outcome. I would like to offer my personal thanks to all the key parties involved - not least the banks and the design and construction company, Multiplex - who have helped to piece together a deal which delights everyone. It is great news for everyone involved in football. Players and fans can now look forward to enjoying the facilities at what will be the best stadium in the world."
"There's no doubt that Wembley is an icon - wherever you go in the world people want to talk about Wembley and they want to see a new stadium there. Anyone who's ever played football wants to play at Wembley and we're absolutely convinced that that the new stadium will become an even greater icon. It's vital that we have a world-class venue to stage showpiece events like The FA Cup final and England internationals."
Sport England Chair, Trevor Brooking:
"This is fantastic news for sport in this country. Wembley will be the envy of the world and showcase the hallmarks of innovation, vision and determination this project has always had.
"Sport England has worked hard to help make the new Wembley happen with our lottery investment of £120 million. The world looks to Wembley as the spiritual home of football and now we can bring our national game back to a fitting venue for the 21st century.
"In addition, the new Wembley can stage major athletics events with an innovative platform design. Wembley will be the best stadium in the world and I look forward to seeing work begin on it."
Government Minister, Tessa Jowell:
"Work on the new stadium can now start. It has been a long and, at times, painful journey to this point. But the project has, as a result of the concerted efforts over the last year, proved itself to be worthy of attracting commercial finance."
"There is still a lot of work to do. But the FA's new management team at Wembley National Stadium Limited can now, finally, concentrate on what this project is all about - building a national stadium."
The architects, Multiplex Ltd:
"Wembley has been a national and international icon for football. We will ensure the new Wembley carries on this tradition and will be a national stadium of which English fans can be truly proud. Now we can get on and start construction of what will be the best stadium in the world."
The Financers, WestLB:
"We are delighted to have been able to play a part in financing this historic project. It has been a complex transaction from an arranger's perspective but we are confident that work on the new stadium can go ahead underpinned by solid commercial and financial foundations."
The Mayor Of London, Ken Livingstone:
"As well as being an enormous asset to sport in this country, the new Wembley Stadium will make a substantial economic contribution to London's economy, bringing visitors, jobs and better transport to a very deprived area of North West London. That's why I am pleased to have played my part by putting the case for Wembley to Government, opinion formers and general public, and by securing £21 million for the stadium itself as well as funding for the major transport improvements that will make this a world class project."
The England Manager, Sven Goran Erikkson:
"Wembley is possibly the most famous stadium in the world. It has been a stage for some of the greatest football performances ever played. The world loves Wembley, not just England - I am both thrilled and excited that our team will have a chance to play at such a historic and famous venue. It is still one of the great honours and experiences to play at Wembley."
The England Captain, David Beckham:
"Obviously Wembley is such a patriotic place, for the whole nation, and everyone knows it all around the world.
"I think the people who are building this new stadium have got a big task ahead of them but the plans I've seen are amazing. Hopefully it's going to be a big part of everyone's life including mine and the rest of the England players."
Rugby Football League Chairman, Richard Lewis:
"It is tremendous news for rugby league that the new Wembley Stadium is set to open its doors for business. It represents a wonderful opportunity for our sport and we're delighted to be part of this great national project. Wembley is a very important part of rugby league's culture and we're looking forward to seeing the stadium host our major fixtures once again." |
