The football world has been rocked by the news that Manchester United and England legend Sir Bobby Charlton passed away at the age of 86 on Saturday.
The former midfielder made 768 appearances for Man United, with whom he won the European Cup in 1968. He won 106 caps for England, winning the Fifa World Cup in 1966. He was awarded the Ballon d’Or that same year.
The club released a statement announcing Charlton’s passing. “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 UK, but wherever football is played around the world.”
Figures from English football paid tribute to Charlton on Twitter, including former Man United defender Gary Neville. He wrote: “The Greatest English Football player and Manchester United’s greatest ambassador. A champion on and off the pitch and a Busby Babe that paved the way for all to come at United.”
BBC Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker said that he was “deeply saddened” by Charlton’s passing. “A truly wonderful footballer and genuinely lovely man. A World Cup winner, Man Utd great and, for me, England’s greatest ever player. He may no longer be with us but he’ll have footballing immortality,” he tweeted.
Former Arsenal player Paul Merson said that Charlton was one of the greatest ever players. He told Sky Sports: “I think the word ‘legend’ is used very loosely, but he was a legend. What he has done, he is one of the all-time greats of English football, there is no doubt about that. He is an absolute legend.”
Juan Mata, who played for Man United for eight years, tweeted: “Rest in peace Sir Bobby, absolute LEGEND.”
