England World Cup winner and Manchester United great Bobby Charlton, described by the club as a “giant of the game”, has died at the age of 86, it was announced on Saturday.
Ten years after the team’s members perished in an aircraft accident in Munich, Charlton was a pivotal player on England’s 1966 World Cup winning squad. He also had tremendous success at the club level with United, who became the first English club to win the European Cup in 1968.
“We share the news that Sir Bobby died away quietly in the early hours of Saturday morning with deep regret. A statement on behalf of the Charlton family stated, “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.”
It was revealed in 2020 that Charlton had been diagnosed with dementia, and as the illness progressed, he ceased going to Old Trafford games.
On X, the previous Twitter, United shared a photo of Charlton along with the statement, “Words will never be enough.”
Ten years had passed since Charlton and team manager Matt Busby escaped the 1958 Munich flight disaster, which claimed the lives of eight of Charlton’s teammates. Charlton’s victory in the European Cup with United came after the tragedy.
The midfielder earned 106 caps for England and scored 49 goals while playing in the World Cup final with his late brother Jack, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 85.
He made his United debut in 1956 and went on to appear in 758 games while tallying 249 goals for the Red Devils. Prior to being surpassed, respectively, by Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney, both were long-standing club records.
At Old Trafford, Charlton won three league titles and one FA Cup. He left United in 1973 to take a managerial position at Preston, although he returned to the stadium eleven years later as a club director. In 1994, he was knighted for his services to football.
The Premier League team released a statement saying, “Manchester United are in mourning following the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton, one of the greatest and most beloved players in our club’s history.”
“Not just in Manchester or the United Kingdom, but everywhere football is played globally, Sir Bobby was a hero to millions of people.
He was respected for both his exceptional football skills and his ethics and sportsmanship. Giant of the game, Sir Bobby will always be remembered.”
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