Liverpool has been chosen as one of the host cities for England's bid to host the 2018 World Cup.
Lord Mawhinney, chairman of the campaign, made the announcement at Wembley stadium earlier today, with the former European Capital of Culture set to generate £200 million within the local economy.
Councillor Warren Bradley, Leader of Liverpool City Council, headed up the city's bid and is delighted that they have been chosen.
He said: "Liverpool eats, drinks and sleeps football and today’s decision is one of those happy occasions which unites us all and one which every fan – be they blue or red – can celebrate.
"In fact even if you don’t like football there’s still plenty to celebrate because of the huge economic boost it will bring.
"For a player, to be chosen to represent your country is the highest honour in football and the feeling is no different as a city. Liverpool is delighted to have made England’s World Cup bid team – it’s easily the best Christmas gift we’ll get this year.
"I’d like to thank everyone who made it happen from our Premier League clubs, County FA and the North West Development Agency to our bid ambassadors and everyone who supported us.
"Of course, the hard work begins now but this decision has put a huge spring in our step and we will be pulling out all the stops to help England win the ultimate goal and bring the biggest sporting event to these shores in 2018."
Colin Hilton, Chief Executive of Liverpool City Council, added: "Nothing defines our city more than our passion for the beautiful game.
"Liverpool is famous for staging outstanding, atmospheric football occasions and has a well deserved reputation for friendliness and generosity to visiting fans.
"We’ll be giving it all for England with the promise to FIFA they can expect an unforgettable World Cup here in 2018."
Everton Captain Phil Neville, who has won 59 England Caps, was delighted with the announcement. He said: ‘’This is great news for a great footballing city. But I always expected Liverpool to be selected. Any football tournament in this country without this city involved would be unthinkable. Let’s hope that England now wins the bid.’’
Steven Gerrard, Liverpool Captain and England Vice-Captain, said: ‘’Liverpool is such an historic footballing city I’m not surprised we’ve been chosen. I’m 100% behind England’s bid and I’d love to see World Cup games played here.’’
Rafael Benitez, Manager of Liverpool FC, said: "It’s great news. This city lives and breathes football and if England are successful it will be a fantastic stage for World Cup games.’’
Liverpool beat off competition from Hull, Leicester and Derby to host the games should England successfully win the bid to stage the competition in nine years time.
Everton captain Phil Neville added his backing to the case for the city by saying: "This is great news for a great footballing city, but I always expected Liverpool to be selected.
"Any football tournament in this country without this city involved would be unthinkable. Let’s hope that England now wins the bid."
Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard added: "Liverpool is such an historic footballing city I’m not surprised we’ve been chosen. I’m 100% behind England’s bid and I’d love to see World Cup games played here."
Plans for the city include a first ever Beatles-themed Fan Fest site on Wavertree's Mystery Park which will be rebranded 'Magical Mystery Park'.
Other sites which will be used include Newsham Park, the Pier Head, Clayton Square and Williamson Square in addition to a scheme titled 'You'll Never Walk Alone' which aims to promote no-car transport.
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