The former Manchester United,England and World Cup Winner Sir Bobby Charlton has died at the age of 86
A survivor of the Munich Air Crash, 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, and won the 1966 World Cup.
In a statement his family said:
“It is with great sadness that we share the news that Sir Bobby passed peacefully in the early hours of Saturday morning. He was surrounded by his family.‘
Tributes have been flooding in following the announcement
His former Club said
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.
His World Cup winning colleague Sir Geoff Hurst wrote
Very sad news today 1 of the true Greats Sir Bobby Charlton has passed away We will never forget him & nor will all of football A great colleague & friend he will be sorely missed by all of the country beyond sport alone
Gary Neville wrote
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
