Manchester United and England legend Bobby Charlton has died aged 86
“He passed away peacefully surrounded by his family in the early hours of Saturday morning.”
Charlton was a key member of the England team that won the World Cup in 1966 and also enjoyed great success at club level with United, who became the first English club to win the European Cup in 1968.
A statement on behalf of the Charlton family said: “It is with great sadness that we share the news that Sir Bobby passed away peacefully in the early hours of Saturday morning. He was surrounded by his family.”
Charlton was a key member of the England team that won the World Cup in 1966 and also enjoyed great success at club level with United, who became the first English club to win the European Cup in 1968.
The statement added: “His family would like to thank everyone who contributed to his care and the many people who loved and supported him.”
“We ask that the family’s privacy be respected at this time.”
Charlton’s European Cup success at United came ten years after the Munich air disaster, which he and team manager Sir Matt Busby survived, but which claimed the lives of eight of Charlton’s team-mates.
Charlton was born in Ashington on October 11, 1937 and played in the World Cup final alongside his brother Jack, who died in 2020 aged 85. He won 106 caps for England, scoring 49 goals.
He made his debut for United in 1956 and went on to play 758 games for the Red Devils, scoring 249 goals. Both were long-standing club records until they were overtaken by Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney respectively.
Charlton won three league titles, three titles and an FA Cup at Old Trafford. After leaving United in 1973 to become Preston manager, he returned to Old Trafford 11 years later as club director. He was knighted in 1994 for his services to football.
“Manchester United mourns the loss of Sir Bobby Charlton, one of the greatest and most popular players in our club’s history,” the Premier League club said in a statement.
“Sir Bobby was a hero to millions, not just in Manchester or the UK, but wherever football is played in the world.”
“He was admired for his sportsmanship and integrity as well as 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 in 17 years as a Manchester United player. He won 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 World Cup in 1966.
“After his retirement, he served the club with distinction as a director for 39 years. His unparalleled track record, character and achievements will forever be 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 deepest condolences go out to his wife Lady Norma, his daughters and grandchildren and all who loved him.”
