Albert Pujols poses with his family in front of a 10-foot statue of himself in front of his Maryland Heights restaurant. UPI/Bill Greenblatt

Hundreds of fans turned out in Maryland Heights on Wednesday for the unveiling of a new 10 foot statue of Albert Pujols that was set up outside his restaurant. Funds for the statue were provided by an anonymous donor two years ago.

Pujols spoke at the unveiling saying, “There’s going to be a lot of people asking, ‘Well why is he not swinging the bat?’ That’s to remind me it’s not about me, but it’s about Jesus Christ who gave his life so we can have eternal life. It’s really easy to lose focus when you have millions of people telling you how great you are.”

Pujols would not speak of his pending free agency when pressed on the issue by reporters, but he did say, “Whether it’s here or wherever, I believe our foundation (Pujols Family Foundation) is going to help the city of St. Louis.”