Eccentric Fulham owner Mohamed Al-Fayed on Sunday unveiled a commemorative statue of King of Pop Michael Jackson outside Craven Cottage.
The statue, depicting the late singer in one of his most iconic poses, is situated on the banks of the River Thames, adjacent to the Riverside and Hammersmith Stands at Fulham's ground.
However, following the sale of the Knightsbridge store it was decided that Fulham's home ground Craven Cottage was "the natural alternative for the tribute".
Al-Fayed enjoyed a long and happy friendship with the megastar but Jacko's only known link to the club is attending a game with him against Wigan Athletic in 1999.
Despite this, Al-Fayed has refuted claims that the memorial is bizarre and lashed out at fans that have spoken against it.
The Egyptian tycoon said after the unveiling: "Why is it bizarre? Football fans love it.
"If some stupid fans don't understand and appreciate such a gift they can go to hell.
"I don't want them to be fans. If they don't understand and don't believe in things I believe in they can go to Chelsea, they can go to anywhere else."
He added: "People will queue to come and visit it from all over the UK and it is something that I and everybody else should be proud of."
Jackson has also appeared as an effigy in London once before. In 1995 a gold statue of the singer was floated down the Thames by his record company to mark the release of the album HIStory.
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| Fulham owner Mohamed Al-Fayed unveils a statue in tribute to Michael Jackson at Craven Cottage Photo: Getty Images |
The statue, depicting the late singer in one of his most iconic poses, is situated on the banks of the River Thames, adjacent to the Riverside and Hammersmith Stands at Fulham's ground.
The six-foot high golden statue, believed to have cost £100,000, had been due to erected outside London's Harrods store.
However, following the sale of the Knightsbridge store it was decided that Fulham's home ground Craven Cottage was "the natural alternative for the tribute".
Al-Fayed enjoyed a long and happy friendship with the megastar but Jacko's only known link to the club is attending a game with him against Wigan Athletic in 1999.
Despite this, Al-Fayed has refuted claims that the memorial is bizarre and lashed out at fans that have spoken against it.
The Egyptian tycoon said after the unveiling: "Why is it bizarre? Football fans love it.
"If some stupid fans don't understand and appreciate such a gift they can go to hell.
"I don't want them to be fans. If they don't understand and don't believe in things I believe in they can go to Chelsea, they can go to anywhere else."
He added: "People will queue to come and visit it from all over the UK and it is something that I and everybody else should be proud of."
Jackson has also appeared as an effigy in London once before. In 1995 a gold statue of the singer was floated down the Thames by his record company to mark the release of the album HIStory.
Related links:
Team
Also see:
