Liverpool FC's sixth Champions League win will boost the city's businesses and help the visitor economy, Everton's chief executive has said.
The Toffees' arch rivals beat Spurs earlier this month to lift the trophy once more, but while many Blues would have tried to avoid the spectacle entirely, Professor Denise Barrett-Baxendale has given her positive take.
Speaking at the ECHO's Regional Business Awards on Thursday, Prof Barrett-Baxendale said: "In business terms internationally, it's fantastic. It’s great for the game, the city and the visitor economy, and it’s a spotlight on Liverpool, which has two fantastic, high achieving, top-flight football clubs.
"That's fantastic for the fans."
Liverpool's victory in club football's biggest match in Madrid earlier this month - caused euphoric scenes across the city as an estimated 750,000 fans turned out to celebrate the victory.
Prof Barrett-Baxendale added: "Obviously, we are in a competitive arena for football and [that kind of success is] what Everton are striving for, and we have to acknowledge that people will win and achieve, but we have to be competing and challenging at all times.
"It’s good for the Premier League - for anyone from here to win the Champions League."
Interviewed by journalist and broadcaster Nicholas Owen on Thursday at the glittering Liverpool Cathedral event, Prof Barrett-Baxendale was also quizzed on Everton's upcoming stadium move, which will see the club relocate to Bramley Moore Dock.
Read exactly what she said in the full story on the Liverpool ECHO site here .
