Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson backs campaign for Glasgow to build statue in honour of Nelson Mandela

FORMER Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has launched a campaign for a statue of Nelson Mandela to be erected in Glasgow.

Sir Alex was in Glasgow to lend his support to the campaign hailing for former South African president as “an example for the world to follow”.

The Nelson Mandela Scottish Memorial Foundation is aiming to raise aims to raise £250,000 to build a permanent public reminder of Mandela’s links with Scotland.

While Mandela was still serving a 27-year prison sentence imposed by the South African Apartheid regime, in 1981 Glasgow awarded the African National Congress (ANC) leader the freedom of the city.

Fergie looked back on the times he met Mandela –the first encounter was when United toured South Africa in 1993.
He said: “Twenty minutes, but for me it lasted a lifetime, it was fantastic.

“The remarkable thing about Nelson Mandela was his complete lack of bitterness at being imprisoned for 27 years.

“You have to be special to put to one side what he endured and suffered for over a quarter of a century and then go on to lead his country to democracy and influence his people in such a massive way.

Sir Alex added: “I think Glaswegians understand what struggle is.

“For decades the ordinary people of Glasgow have played a terrific role in the anti-apartheid movement and as a Freeman of this great city I am proud to play my part in this campaign to honour a very special man.”

Mandela spent 27 years in prison under the Apartheid regime and was released in 1990, and four years later as leader of the ANC was elected President.

Mandela was President for five years and died in 2013 after failing to recover from a respiratory infection.