England’s 1966 World Cup winning hero, Sir Bobby Charlton has tragically died aged 86.
The former Manchester United legend passed away on Saturday, October 21 after a battle with dementia just a week after celebrating his birthday.
Death of Sir Bobby Charlton
His brother Jack, who died aged 85 in July 2020, had also suffered with the disease in his later life.
A statement from the 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.’
Tributes from football world
Manchester United has paid their respects to the legend and said the club is in mourning following the news.
Manchester United released a statement saying; ‘Sir Bobby was a hero to millions, not just in Manchester, or the United Kingdom, but wherever football is played around the world.’
Former Manchester United and England captain David Beckham has also paid an emotional tribute to the late Sir Bobby Charlton.
‘It all began with Sir Bobby. Sir Bobby was the reason I had the opportunity to play for Manchester United,’ he wrote in Instagram.
‘I will be forever grateful to a man I was named after, someone I looked up to and was a hero to many around the world not just in Manchester and our country where he won the World Cup in 1966…
‘A true gentleman , family man and truly a national hero… Today isn’t just a sad day for Manchester United & England it’s a sad day for football and everything that Sir Bobby represented..
‘Our thoughts go out to Lady Norma, there daughters and grandchildren x Rest in Peace Sir Bobby x Today our hearts are heavy.’
The football world has joined Beckham in mourning one of England and Manchester United’s greatest ever players.
Former Red Devil Gary Neville and Alan Shearer have led a host of players and clubs around the world in playing tribute to Sir Bobby.
Manchester United have also confirmed a minute’s silence will be held before today’s Premier League clash against Sheffield United and players will also wear black armbands.
Sir Bobby played in the Three Lions’ World Cup triumph in 1966 and went on to win Ballon d’Or later that year.
He also scored 249 goals in 758 games for Manchester United – helping them to their first ever European Cup win in 1968.
Despite playing as a midfielder, he netted a further 49 times in 106 games for England.
Charlton famously survived the Munich air disaster in 1958, when he was just 20 years old and saw eight of his team-mates tragically killed in the incident.
