Manchester United issue glowing tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton after demise at 86

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FOOTBALL Manchester United issue glowing tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton after demise at 86

Abigael Wafula 18:33 - 21.10.2023

The football fraternity has been thrown into mourning following the death of Manchester United and England legend Sir Bobby Charlton.

Manchester United legend and England football star Sir Bobby Charlton has sadly passed away at the age of 86.

His family passed the sad news to the world through a statement that read: “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.

"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, on their website, also paid tribute to the 86-year-old who was not only a hero to the club and England but to millions.

"Manchester United are in mourning following the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton, one of the greatest and most beloved players in the history of our club. 

"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, 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," read the statement from United.

Meanwhile, the late Charlton, born in Ashington, Northumberland, on October 11, 1937, is widely regarded as one of Manchester United's greatest-ever players, scoring 249 goals in 758 appearances between 1956 and 1973. 

He went ahead and won the European Cup with United in 1968, as well as three First Division titles. The 1966 World Cup winner earned 106 caps for England, scoring 49 times, a goalscoring record which he held from 1970 to 2015.

Charlton's also played for and managed Preston North End and they have hailed him as "a true legend of our game".

Following his death, Sir Geoff Hurst is now the only member of the team still alive. Former England right-back George Cohen also died, aged 83, in December.