The Chairman also paid tribute to Summerbee’s unwavering commitment to charitable causes following his recognition by Her Majesty the Queen for his services to football and charity.
Summerbee, who has represented City with distinction on and off the pitch for more than 55 years, is one of the greatest players in the Club’s history and the Chairman recently revealed he will be honoured with a statue at the Etihad Stadium.
The 79-year-old made more than 700 appearances during a 20-year career, 451 of which came at City, where he won every honour in the English game and the European Cup Winners’ Cup, as well as eight caps for his country.
Since retiring, Summerbee has served as Club Ambassador and has been an active campaigner for Prostate Cancer UK following his recovery from the disease, whilst also supporting Manchester’s Christie Hospital, a specialist cancer treatment centre.
“We are all absolutely delighted that Mike has been awarded an OBE,” said the Chairman.
“It is such richly deserved recognition for his immense contribution to the game both as a player and as an Ambassador.
“But most importantly, it is a recognition of his selfless and enduring commitment to charitable causes and to the many communities he works on behalf of.
“Mike still contributes so much to the City family and I know that today the City family couldn’t be prouder of him or more pleased for him.”
The Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) is awarded to those who have made a great impact in their line of work and there is no doubt Summerbee has done just that.
A tricky winger who relished the physical side of the game, ‘Buzzer’, as he is affectionately known, also played for Swindon Town, Burnley, Blackpool and Stockport County, but it is his time at City for which he is best remembered.
He spent 10-years at Maine Road, scoring 68 goals to help City win the league, FA Cup, League Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup in the fondly remembered golden era of the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Summerbee played a key role in that success, achieving legendary status alongside two men with whom he will be forever associated: Francis Lee and the late Colin Bell.
It was therefore fitting that after retiring, the hugely popular former player became Club Ambassador and, just as he did on the pitch, he has continued to excel in the role.
In 2012, Summerbee was diagnosed with prostate cancer following a routine health test.
He described his battle with the disease as his ‘greatest challenge’ and, since making a full recovery, he has actively campaigned to raise awareness of a cancer which claims the lives of 11,500 men in the UK every year.
Summerbee first lent his support to Prostate Cancer UK’s Men United v Prostate Cancer campaign in 2014 and four years later he was guest of honour for the charity as City beat Arsenal in the 2018 Carabao Cup final at Wembley.
Everyone at Manchester City is exceptionally proud of Mike and congratulates him on this well-deserved recognition.
