The countdown to the eagerly-anticipated UEFA Cup final in Manchester in May has continued with the handover ceremony in the English city.
Spanish outfit Sevilla FC – who have held the trophy for two successive seasons – formally handed the trophy back to UEFA President Michel Platini. The Spanish side were represented by club president José Maria del Nido and players Andrés Palop and Daniel Alves, who helped their team to glory in last season's all-Spanish final against RCD Espanyol in Glasgow.
Mr Platini then handed the trophy to the City of Manchester, represented by the Lord Mayor, Councillor Glynn Evans, for safekeeping until the final is played on Wednesday 14 May. The trophy will go on display at the Manchester Evening News newspaper, Manchester City FC Museum and the city's town hall in the run-up to the final.