Champions League trophy exhibited in Zagreb

Zagreb, Oct 11 (IANS) The UEFA Champions League Trophy has reached this Croatian capital as hundreds of people gathered at the city's main square to gaze at the coveted piece of silverware.

The trophy with big ears, as it is sometimes called, has been around since 1967 when Celtic captain Billy McNeill was the first one to lift it, reports Xinhua.

It is on its tour through central European countries. The tour started Sep 26 in Slovakian capital Bratislava, the next stop was Austrian capital Vienna and after Zagreb, the 73.5cm high and 7.5kg heavy trophy will end its tour in Serbian capital Belgrade.

The trophy will reside in Zagreb until Sunday, Oct 12 when there will be thousands of people running around the special tent erected at Jelacic Square as Zagreb Marathon will have its start and finish at the same place on that day.

Legendary Danish goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel and former Croatian international Goran Vlaovic, member of the squad that won a bronze medal at the 1998 World Cup, served as ambassadors of this part of the Trophy Tour.

The UEFA Champions League Trophy Tour will leave here Sunday, pass through Serbian cities Novi Sad and Nis and conclude its trip in Belgrade where it will be on display from Oct 17 to 19.