Blair hails Shearer as 'simply the best'

0 Comments | AFP, October, 2006

NEWCASTLE, England (AFP) — British Prime Minister Tony Blair paid handsome tribute to Alan Shearer as the former England and Newcastle striker handed over the proceeds of his testimonial fund to charity. Blair was on Tyneside as 36-year-old Shearer donated the 1.64 million pounds (3.1 million dollars) raised when he retired to 14 local charities.

"We would all like to play football like someone, but this guy was just the best, wasn't he?" said Blair. "It's a tremendous honour for me to come along and participate in what is an act of generosity from a man who is remarkable. "The pressures and the rewards of being at the top of professional football today are tremendous, but not everyone puts something back in. But he has. "When you have that type of reputation in a city,...