Manchester United legend and England’s World Cup hero of 1966, Sir Bobby Charlton, has passed away. Following a diagnosis of dementia in 2020, the renowned player died at the age of 86. Manchester United also paid a heartfelt tribute to Charlton and offered their sympathies to his family.
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,” read a statement.
“Sir Bobby was a hero to millions, not just in Manchester, or the United Kingdom, but wherever football is played around the world.”
Charlton rose through the Manchester United youth system to become one of the club’s all-time greats. At the age of 20, he notably escaped the Munich aviation accident.
Charlton went on to play 758 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 249 goals and earning three league titles and the FA Cup. He also won the European Cup with Manchester United in 1968, scoring twice in a 4-1 victory over Benfica in the final.
Charlton became a real national idol for his involvement in England’s 1966 World Cup victory. He even scored crucial goals along the way to the final, when they defeated West Germany. That same year, he received the Ballon d’Or, acknowledging him as Europe’s best player.
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