Dudek named Europa League final ambassador

Former Poland goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek said it was "something special" to have been named ambassador for the 2015 UEFA Europa League final at National Stadium Warsaw.

Dudek, who came out of retirement to win his 60th cap in 2013, was confirmed in his role during the UEFA Europa League group stage draw ceremony in Monaco on Friday. The Warsaw showpiece takes place on 27 May next year, almost a decade to the day since Dudek's crowning moment as a player, when he had a starring role in Liverpool FC's miraculous UEFA Champions League triumph against AC Milan in Istanbul, saving two penalties in the shoot-out.

"It's a big honour to be ambassador of a fantastic cup, especially when the final will be played in Warsaw, in my city," said Dudek. "It is something special; thanks to UEFA we hosted the European championship in 2012. It created a fantastic atmosphere between supporters and we cannot wait for this moment again. We have a beautiful stadium, one of the most beautiful stadiums in Europe."

The venue staged the opening game of UEFA EURO 2012 – Poland's 1-1 draw with Greece – as well as two further group matches, a quarter-final and a semi-final. It is built on the site of the old Tenth Anniversary Stadium, which since 1989 had been home to a bazaar.

"This is the proudest moment for us after the European championship in 2012; it is another opportunity to organise a fantastic game. We're proud to organise it and I hope it will be a fantastic match with a lot of memories. [Visitors] can expect good parties both on and off the pitch! It is a beautiful stadium, a beautiful city, and the Polish nation will welcome everybody."