Sir Bobby Charlton
Bobby Charlton an English football legend has passed away at the age of 86. He survived a tragic plane crash that devastated the Manchester United team and went on to become an integral part of England’s 1966 World Cup victory. His family announced his death in a statement released by Manchester United stating that he was surrounded by his loved ones when he passed away.
Bobby Charlton was a remarkably gifted attacking midfielder known for his powerful shots. He held the record for the most goals scored for both Manchester United (249 goals) and the England national team (49 goals) for over four decades until Wayne Rooney surpassed him. Bobby Charlton was easily recognizable with his distinctive comb-over hairstyle and was celebrated globally for being a true gentleman of the beautiful game.
“Sir Bobby Chaltron was a hero to millions not just in Manchester or the United Kingdom but wherever football is played around the world” said Manchester United in their tribute. Bobby Charlton was admired not only for his footballing skills but also for his sportsmanship and integrity. Sir Bobby Chaltron will always be remembered as a giant of the game.
Sir Alex Ferguson who managed Manchester United from 1986 to 2013 hailed him as “the greatest Manchester United player of all time.” He further emphasized that Bobby Charlton’s stature in the history of English football was unparalleled.
Bobby Charlton was renowned not only for his football prowess but also for his humility and discipline. In his 758 appearances for Manchester United from 1956 to 1973 and 106 international matches for England from 1958 to 1970 he was never shown a red card.
One of the defining moments of Charlton’s career was playing alongside George Best and Denis Law in the “Trinity” that led Manchester United to the 1968 European Cup title. This achievement came after they survived the tragic Munich air crash of 1958 which claimed the lives of the celebrated “Busby Babes.” Charlton’s contributions to the club also included three English league titles and one FA Cup.
Former Manchester United defender Bill Foulkes another survivor of the Munich air crash described Charlton’s playing style as a unique combination of grace power and precision which he could only define as “beauty.”
FIFA president Gianni Infantino acknowledged Charlton’s legendary impact on the sport spanning generations. David Beckham a Manchester United great regarded him as a “national hero” and the British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak celebrated him as “one of the game’s greatest players.”
Charlton’s record as England’s top scorer stood for 45 years until Wayne Rooney achieved his 50th goal for the national team in September 2015. Three of Charlton’s goals came during England’s triumphant 1966 World Cup campaign where he played a pivotal role particularly in the semifinals when he scored twice against Portugal. England went on to win the World Cup defeating West Germany 4-2 after extra time in the final at Wembley Stadium.
Despite his records being eventually broken Charlton’s legacy endured. While Ryan Giggs surpassed his appearance record for Manchester United in 2008 it took until 2017 for Wayne Rooney to eclipse Charlton’s goal-scoring record 44 years after Charlton’s last game for the club.
After retiring from professional football in 1973 Charlton ventured into coaching and founded a youth program that included talents like David Beckham. He also had brief coaching stints with clubs like Preston Wigan and the Irish side Waterford. In 1984 he returned to Manchester United as a director and played a crucial role in appointing Sir Alex Ferguson as the manager in 1986 leading to a period of remarkable success for the club.
Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1994 Bobby Charlton remained a beloved figure at Old Trafford where he is commemorated with a statue alongside George Best and Denis Law.
Unlike some of his contemporaries Charlton managed to avoid the controversies and distractions that often plagued footballers’ careers. His style and demeanor earned him popularity that transcended the intense club and international football rivalries.
In November 2020 it was revealed that Charlton had been diagnosed with dementia a condition that also affected his brother Jack and another World Cup winner Nobby Stiles. His passing now leaves Geoff Hurst who scored a historic hat-trick in the 1966 World Cup final as the sole surviving member of that iconic England team.
The world of football will forever remember Sir Bobby Charlton not just for his exceptional talent on the field but also for his sportsmanship humility and contribution to the beautiful game. He is survived by his wife Norma whom he married in 1961 and his two daughters.
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