England and Manchester United icon Sir Bobby Charlton has sadly died at the age of 86.
The forward was an integral part of England 1966 World Cup winning campaign and scored 49 times in 106 caps for The Three Lions.
He also captained Manchester United to their European Cup final win over Benfica in 1968, the first English side to do so.
Charlton was a survivor of the Munch Air Disaster in 1958 which tragically claimed the life of 23 people including 8 players and 3 members of Manchester United club staff.
A Manchester United Statement read:
“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.”
The man described by Sir Alf Ramsey as ‘the lynchpin’ of England’s World Cup winning side will be remember as one of the best ever to grace the pitch.
