UEFA Champions League goes on American tour

(AFP PHOTO/ANDREI PUNGOVSCHI)

The UEFA Champions League trophy will visit North America for the first time ever when it is taken on a tour of four cities in the United States, starting with New York on February 13.

The trophy will stay in New York until February 17, after which it moves to Boston (February 20-23), Chicago (February 26 - March 3), and finally Los Angeles (March 13-16).

As part of its public meet and greet, the trophy will be paraded at a party on Fifth Avenue, before being taken clubbing in Boston, partying in Chicago, and enjoying a celebrity gala in Hollywood.

After that it will no doubt return to Europe to appear during the knockout stages of the 2009-10 tournament, whose final will be at Real Madrid's Bernabéu stadium on May 22.

Fans will be able to have their photo taken with it, as well as enter a draw to win tickets to the 2009-10 final.

Several of UEFA's Champions League Ambassadors have been lined up to accompany the trophy, including four who managed to bag a winner's medal: Eusébio played for Benfica, Steve McManaman scored important goals after joining Real Madrid from Liverpool, Edgar Davids won with Ajax, and Michael Laudrup who got his medal whilst with Barcelona.

Also touring with the trophy are Michael's brother Brian who was recognized for his considerable talent and influence as a player. The Brazilian footballer and mangager Zico will be appearing, as will his compatriot Bebeto who had an incredible games-to-goals ratio of 2:1.

More information is available at the UEFA Champions League Trophy Tour website.