Football Mourns: Man United and England Icon Sir Bobby Charlton Passes Away at 86

On Saturday, Manchester United, and England icon Sir Bobby Charlton passed away at the age of 86, as confirmed by the Premier League club.

Charlton, a key member of England’s victorious 1966 World Cup team, also played a pivotal role in Manchester United’s European Cup triumph at Wembley in 1968.

The club issued a statement regarding his passing.

“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.”

A statement from his family 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.”

His remarkable record of 758 appearances for Manchester United was surpassed by Ryan Giggs in 2008, while his club-record of 249 goals remained unbroken until 2017 when Wayne Rooney eclipsed it.

Charlton shared a profound camaraderie with George Best and Denis Law, and this iconic trio was commemorated with a statue outside Old Trafford in 2008.

He played an integral role in England’s most significant triumph, their sole World Cup victory in 1966.

Charlton etched his name in history by scoring both goals as England overcame Portugal 2-1 in the semifinals and contributed to his nation’s 4-2 victory over West Germany in the final at Wembley.

In recognition of his outstanding achievements, Charlton was awarded the Ballon d’Or in that historic year, becoming one of only four Englishmen to claim this prestigious honor.

He also featured in the 1958, 1962, and 1970 World Cup squads, as well as the Euro 68 tournament.

Over the course of his international career, he earned 106 caps, and his record of 49 goals was ultimately surpassed by Wayne Rooney in 2015.

In 1994, he was bestowed with a knighthood, and it’s worth noting that Charlton’s brother, Jack, was also a member of England’s World Cup-winning team.

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