Paul the octopus oracle deserts Germany for England

By: Sean O'Shea | Published Friday, August 20, 2010, 11:25 AM | Updated Friday, September 9, 2011, 9:47 PM

Paul the octopus who predicted the World Cup result has deserted his German hosts and gone back to his English roots.

Paul has been appointed an ambassador for England's bid for the World Cup in 2018.

He became famous by predicting world cup results, especially the Spain-Netherlands final from his aquarium in Oberhausen, Germany.

But Paul is actually an English native.

He was born at Weymouth Sea Life Center on England's south coast in 2008.

"Paul the Octopus is undoubtedly one of the biggest names in football," former England winger John Barnes said. "Huge numbers of people will follow Paul's lead and back the bid."

Paul has many imitators, the latest a saltwater crocodile named Dirty Harry, who predicted Spain's World Cup final win.

This week Dirty Harry predicted the Labor Party would win Australia's election.