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Manchester United and England great Sir Bobby Charlton has died aged 86, his family have announced in a statement.<\/p>\n
Charlton was a key member of England\u2019s victorious 1966 World Cup team and also enjoyed great success at club level with United, who became the first English club to win the European Cup in 1968.<\/p>\n
A statement on behalf of the Charlton family said: \u201cIt 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
The statement added: \u201cHis 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe would request that the family\u2019s privacy be respected at this time.\u201d<\/p>\n
Charlton\u2019s European Cup success at United came 10 years after the Munich air disaster, which he and team manager Sir Matt Busby survived but which claimed the lives of eight of Charlton\u2019s team-mates.<\/p>\n
Born in Ashington on October 11 1937, Charlton played in the World Cup final alongside his brother Jack, who died aged 85 in 2020, and won 106 caps for England, scoring 49 goals.<\/p>\n
He made his debut for United in 1956 and went on to play 758 matches for the Red Devils, scoring 249 goals. Both were long-standing club records until they were overtaken by Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney respectively.<\/p>\n
Charlton won three league three titles and one FA Cup at Old Trafford and, after leaving United in 1973 and becoming Preston manager, he returned to Old Trafford 11 years later as a club director. He was knighted for services to football in 1994.<\/p>\n
\u201cManchester 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,\u201d the Premier League club said in a statement.<\/p>\n
\u201cSir Bobby was a hero to millions, not just in Manchester, or the United Kingdom, but wherever football is played around the world.<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n
\u201cHe 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cA 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 for England, and won the 1966 World Cup.<\/p>\n
\u201cFollowing 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe club\u2019s heartfelt sympathies are with his wife Lady Norma, his daughters and grandchildren, and all who loved him.\u201d<\/p>\n
United manager Erik ten Hag paid his own tribute in an interview before their Premier League game at Sheffield United on Saturday night.<\/p>\n
Ten Hag said: \u201cOur thoughts are, of course, with the family. With of course his wife, our thoughts are there. It\u2019s for them, but also for the whole football world.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut not only the football world, the whole world is losing a big personality. A legend, a giant. He was it on the pitch, but definitely also off the pitch.\u201d<\/p>\n
Charlton was diagnosed with dementia and the announcement of his condition made public in November 2020.<\/p>\n
The announcement came two days after his United and England team-mate Nobby Stiles died following his own battle with the illness.<\/p>\n
The Telegraph said that Charlton\u2019s wife, Lady Norma, was happy for his condition to be reported.<\/p>\n
Paying tribute to Charlton, the Premier League said on X, formerly known as Twitter: \u201cThe Premier League is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton, one of the greatest players in English football history.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur thoughts and sincere condolences go to Sir Bobby\u2019s family and friends, and to all at Manchester United.\u201d<\/p>\n
Charlton made his England debut against Scotland at Hampden Park in April 1958, just over two months after he had survived the Munich air disaster.<\/p>\n
He was not selected for England\u2019s 1958 World Cup squad that summer, but played at the tournament in 1962, 1966 and 1970.<\/p>\n
Charlton scored three times at the 1966 World Cup, including both goals in the 2-1 semi-final victory over Portugal, and ended his England career at the age of 32 following the quarter-final exit to West Germany in 1970.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is with a heavy heart that we have learned of the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton,\u201d the official England account tweeted.<\/p>\n
\u201cAn integral part of our 1966 FIFA World Cup winning campaign, Sir Bobby won 106 caps and scored 49 times for the #ThreeLions.<\/p>\n
\u201cA true legend of our game. We will never forget you, Sir Bobby.\u201d<\/p>\n
Prince William, president of the Football Association, paid tribute to Charlton on social media.<\/p>\n
Writing on the official account of The Prince and Princess of Wales, William said: \u201cSir Bobby Charlton. First Division Champion. European Champion. World Champion. Gentleman. Legend. A true great who will be remembered forever. Thank you Sir Bobby. W.\u201d<\/p>\n
England manager Gareth Southgate added: \u201cOne of our most iconic players, Sir Bobby Charlton\u2019s impact on our only World Cup triumph is there for all to see.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe privilege of meeting him on several occasions allowed me to understand his personal pride and emotion in having represented England and simply confirmed in my mind his standing as one of the gentlemen of the game.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe world of football will unite in its sadness at losing an undisputed legend.\u201d<\/p>\n
England will pay a full tribute to Charlton at the European Championship qualifier against Malta at Wembley on November 17.<\/p>\n
Wayne Rooney broke Charlton\u2019s scoring records for both Manchester United and England and heard the news during the Sky Bet Championship match between Middlesbrough and Birmingham at the Riverside.<\/p>\n
Birmingham boss Rooney said: \u201cAs I came out for the second half, I didn\u2019t know what was happening. I see his image on the big screen and it hit me what had happened.<\/p>\n
\u201cBobby was always great with me, we had many conversations about football and life. He is a huge inspiration not just to me but to a lot of players who have played for Manchester United.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe was the first to congratulate me when I broke the record at Stoke. He came in after the game with his wife. He said congratulations \u2013 and a few more harsh words, jokingly. He was a top human being which is more important.\u201d<\/p>\n
Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick, another former United player, said: \u201cOne particular\u00a0memory that stands out\u00a0was the 50-year anniversary of Munich. He came into the training ground and spoke to us about the tragedy and what it meant to him. That\u2019s 45 minutes that I will never, ever forget.\u201d<\/p>\n
Charlton\u2019s death means Sir Geoff Hurst is the only survivor from England\u2019s 1966 World Cup final win over West Germany.<\/p>\n
Hurst, who hit a hat-trick in the 4-2 Wembley victory, said: \u201cVery sad news today 1 of the true Greats Sir Bobby Charlton has passed away. We will never forget him & nor will all of football.<\/p>\n
\u201cA great colleague & friend he will be sorely missed by all of the country beyond sport alone. Condolences to his family & friends from Geoff and Judith.\u201d<\/p>\n
FIFA president Gianni Infantino said Charlton\u2019s impact on football \u201cspanned generations\u201d, saying on social media: \u201cOn behalf of FIFA, and the global football family, I send my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Sir Bobby Charlton.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe mourn the loss of one of England\u2019s 1966 FIFA World Cup winning team and a football legend, whose impact on the game spanned generations.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur thoughts and prayers are with everyone who was close to him, his former teammates, The Football Association and Manchester United. Rest In Peace.\u201d<\/p>\n
In its own tribute, UEFA added: \u201cOn behalf of the entire European football community, we are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton, one of the game\u2019s true greats. Rest in peace, Sir Bobby.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hilary Evans, chief executive of Alzheimer\u2019s Research UK, said: \u201cOur thoughts are with Sir Bobby Charlton\u2019s family, and all those who loved him, following the tragic news that he has died with dementia.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s absolutely devastating that Sir Bobby\u2019s final years were blighted by dementia, but unfortunately this is the case for almost one million people in the UK today.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt Alzheimer\u2019s Research UK, we are determined to change the ending for everyone affected by dementia by finding a cure and the awful news about Sir Bobby highlights that we don\u2019t have a moment to waste.\u201d<\/p>\n