Calls for Aberdeen Airport to be renamed in memory of Denis Law after hero's death
Calls to rename Aberdeen Airport in honour of legendary footballer Denis Law have arose following his death at the age of 84.
The Aberdonian passed away on Friday, January 17 after a four-year battle with Alzheimer's disease and and vascular dementia.
Tributes flooded in for Law in the wake of his passing, with former Aberdeen and Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson hailing Denis Law as the "greatest Scottish player of all time" and described him as the "cornerstone" of the Red Devils' success.
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With suggestions flying in about the best way to commemorate his life and career, one option put forward was the renaming of Aberdeen International Airport in his honour.
One fan told the Scottish Sun: "We should have Aberdeen Denis Law Airport – just like they did in Liverpool for John Lennon and in Belfast for George Best."
SNP's Westminster leader and MP for Aberdeen South Stephen Flynn has echoed calls for a fitting tribute to Law, "whether that’s renaming a stand at Hampden or the airport in Aberdeen". He also stressed the importance that "those closest to the man himself are happy to sign off whatever memorial seems most fitting".
He said: "I’m sure we’d all love to see something iconic put in place to honour Denis and, whether that’s renaming a stand at Hampden or the airport in Aberdeen, it’s important to take a little time, and ensure those closest to the man himself are happy to sign off whatever memorial seems most fitting - and in that regard I think we can all similarly agree."
A spokesperson for Aberdeen International Airport said: "Denis Law was a true legend of the game and a great ambassador for the north-east of Scotland. His contributions, both on and off the pitch, have brought immense pride to our region and inspired generations of fans and players alike.
"While there are no plans to rename the airport, it is no surprise there have been calls for a lasting tribute to his extraordinary achievements. Denis Law’s impact on our community and his enduring legacy will forever remain an integral part of our region’s identity."
Law won the Ballon d’Or in 1964 was the only Scottish player to do so – and claimed 55 caps for his country. During his time with Manchester United, he won two league titles and was a member of their European Cup-winning team under Sir Matt Busby in 1968 when they became the first English club to lift the trophy.
"He was the best Scottish player of all time," said Ferguson, who oversaw 13 Premier League titles and two Champions League triumphs during his remarkable trophy-laden spell as United manager.
"He was a fantastic player and an incredible human being. The great thing is that he did not use his fame, he was so level-headed and down to earth and we are talking about a guy who had all of these caps for Scotland and is called the 'King of Old Trafford.'
"It is an interesting thing because why did they call him the King? You had guys like George Best, Bobby Charlton – the greatest English player of all time and a fantastic player for our club – and they called Denis 'the King.'
"It was something to do with the determination and the will to win every time he went on that football field. He was a really competitive human being and it was a natural thing for the supporters to associate with him as their King."