Paul the Octopus chooses England 2018

World Cup oracle pledges allegiance to his homeland and becomes latest Bid ambassador.

Paul the Octopus, who became internationally famous for his 2010 World Cup predicting exploits, has become the latest global figure to back England's Bid to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Paul, who was hatched at a Sea Life Centre in Weymouth in 2008, has swum into the England 2018 box and become an official Bid ambassador for the remainder of the campaign.

During the 2010 World Cup in South Africa Paul received worldwide acclaim for his punditry as he correctly predicted the outcome of eight consecutive matches, including the final.

In backing England 2018, Paul, who has now officially retired from psychic predictions, joins a host of other English stars from the world of sport and entertainment including: David Beckham, Rio Ferdinand, Lewis Hamilton, Noel Gallagher and Sting.

Nicola Hamilton, Manager at Weymouth Sea Life Centre, said:
"Paul has spent the last two years of his life in Germany, but he is definitely a proud Englishman and is therefore delighted to put his support behind England 2018. We have had a number of football approaches from around the world but Paul was only ever going to choose his homeland."

"With his predicting days behind him Paul is now concentrating on a number of new projects and the England 2018 campaign is something we are sure he feels passionately about. Becoming an official ambassador for the Bid is an honour for Paul and everyone at the Sea Life Centre."

John Barnes, fellow England 2018 Ambassador, added:
"After his success during South Africa 2010, Paul the Octopus is undoubtedly one of the biggest names in football so news of him becoming an official England 2018 Ambassador is tremendous for the Back the Bid campaign.

"I predict that huge numbers of people will follow Paul's lead and Back the Bid, by visiting www.england2018bid.com or texting 'ENGLAND' to 62018. Since our launch last year, more than a million football fans have officially shown their support, including some of England's most famous names. With the decision date fast approaching it's now more important than ever to get behind England 2018."

Following his rise to fame, Paul has signed a book deal, is due to be appearing in a film and is the face for a selection of merchandise including a Paul the Octopus commemorative coin and a range of toys. Paul is now such a big star that he requires his own 'Team Paul' support team including a personal trainer and photographer. All of his projects help raise money for a much-needed sea turtle rescue centre on the Greek Island of Zakynthos, a charitable cause to which England 2018 will be making a donation.

All of his projects help raise money for a much-needed sea turtle rescue centre on the Greek island of Zakynthos, a charitable cause to which England 2018 will be making a donation.

Fans can watch a Paul the Octopus, Back the Bid video and download a variety of Paul the Octopus items including posters and Twitter backgrounds by visiting www.england2018bid.com or www.facebook.com/england2018. Supporters overseas can back the bid by texting their country name to +44786 000 5000'.