By Samuel A. October 21, 2023
Manchester United and England legend, Sir Bobby Charlton, dies aged 86. Sir Charlton, who is regarded as one of Manchester United’s greatest ever players, scoring 249 goals in 758 appearances between 1956 and 1973 and winning the European Cup with United in 1968, as well as three First Division titles, passed on on Saturday afternoon, during the 3pm fixtures.
The 1966 World Cup winner earned 106 caps for England, scoring 49 times, a goalscoring record which he held till 2015.
“It is with great sadness that we share the news that Sir Bobby passed peacefully in the early hours of Saturday morning,” a statement from his family read.
Man Utd legend, World Cup winner, gentleman, Sir Bobby Charlton obituary : “He was surrounded by his family. His family would like to pass on their thanks to everyone who has contributed to his care and for the many people who have loved and supported him. We would request that the family’s privacy be respected at this time.”
Manchester United also paid their own tribute to Charlton, a man who was regarded as “one of the greatest and most beloved players in the club’s history”.
“Sir Bobby was a hero to millions, not just in Manchester, or the United Kingdom, but wherever football is played around the world. He was admired as much for his sportsmanship and integrity as he was for his outstanding qualities as a footballer; Sir Bobby will always be remembered as a giant of the game. A graduate of our youth Academy, Sir Bobby played 758 games and scored 249 goals during 17 years as a Manchester United player, winning the European Cup, three league titles and the FA Cup. For England, he won 106 caps and scored 49 goals for England, and won the 1966 World Cup. Following his retirement, he went on to serve the club with distinction as a director for 39 years. His unparalleled record of achievement, character and service will be forever etched in the history of Manchester United and English football; and his legacy will live on through the life-changing work of the Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation. The club’s heartfelt sympathies are with his wife Lady Norma, his daughters and grandchildren, and all who loved him” the club statement said.
Manchester United midfielder Casemiro also paid respects to “one of the greatest players of all time”, amongst others, terming Sir Bobby’s lifting of the European Cup in 1968 a milestone for the club.
Centre-back Raphael Varane also paid a tribute, calling Sir Bobby “the biggest club giant of them all”. Meanwhile, former United goalkeeper David De Gea has also posted a tribute to “a legend and true pillar of Manchester United”.
Charlton’s club career is most closely associated with Manchester United but he also played for and managed Preston North End. They have hailed him as “a true legend of our game”.
Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville said on his social media: “So sorry to hear the news of Sir Bobby Charlton. The Greatest English Football player and Manchester United’s greatest ambassador. A champion on and off the pitch and a Busby Babe that paved the way for all to come at United. Rest In Peace Sir Bobby.”
FIFA president Gianni Infantino termed Charlton’s impact on football as one that “spanned generations”. “On behalf of FIFA, and the global football family, I send my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Sir Bobby Charlton,” Infantino said on social media. “We mourn the loss of one of England’s 1966 FIFA World Cup winning team and a football legend, whose impact on the game spanned generations.
Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag and long serving midfielder Scott McTominay pay tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton ahead of their match against Sheffield United. “Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone who was close to him, his former teammates, The Football Association and Manchester United. Rest In Peace.”
