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Colts owner Jim Irsay said today that although Peyton Manning has just retired as a Super Bowl-winning quarterback with the Broncos, folks in Indianapolis will always view Manning as, first and foremost, a Colt.

“It seems like a short four years ago we were up here on a difficult day. I’m happy to report that as we temporarily went different directions, we both enjoyed a lot of success on the field. It was always strange watching 18 out there without the horseshoe on his helmet, not always easy. I think I speak for all Colts fans when we feel like he’s ours.”

Irsay recalled where the Colts were (as one of the worst teams in the NFL) before Manning arrived, and all that Manning accomplished.

“I just can’t say enough for what he has meant to this franchise, to this city and state,” Irsay said.

The Colts officially announced today that they will construct a statue of Manning outside Lucas Oil Stadium, and that Manning’s No. 18 will be retired.