Corinthians honour sculptor behind São Jorge statue before Campeonato Brasileiro derby | OneFootball

Corinthians honoured sculptor Gilmar Pinna before Sunday’s derby with Palmeiras in the 11th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro at Neo Química Arena, where his São Jorge statue is being installed.

The ceremony took place during warm-ups, with president Osmar Stabile handing him a customised shirt with his name. According to Meu Timao, the unveiling is planned for 23 April, Saint George’s Day.

Pinna, from Ilhabela, is known for monumental works in stainless steel, bronze and iron, including the 2014 Cavaleiro Fiel. The São Jorge piece was completed in 2014 for a planned World Cup display, but it stalled and the sculpture remained for years at Parque Cecap in Guarulhos, near São Paulo International Airport.

Standing about 25 metres tall, the statue began moving to the arena in late March and is now visible in car park E5 by the West stand. The artist has posted updates on the installation and the space around the monument.

At the time of the work’s completion, he said: “I hope the Brazilian people, the Corinthians board and the Corinthians fans like it. Corinthians is much more than football, it is a history, it is a feeling,” he told ge.globo.

As the monument is finalised, Corinthians focus on the pitch, seeking a positive result in the clássico to improve their league position and rebuild confidence.

Source: Meu Timao