Sir Bobby Charlton, the Manchester United and England legend, has passed on at the age of 86.
Charlton is celebrated as one of the most outstanding players in the history of Manchester United, having scored 249 goals in 758 matches between 1956 to 1973.
The 1966 World Cup winner earned 106 caps for England after finding the net 49 times, a goal scoring record which he held from 1970 to 2015.
Read Also:French Senator Demands Benzema Be Stripped Of Citizenship Amid Links to Muslim Brotherhood
After his retirement, Bobby Charlton served the club as a director for an impressive 39 years.
“It is with great sadness that we share the news that Sir Bobby passed peacefully in the early hours of Saturday morning,” a statement from his family read.
“He was surrounded by his family. His family would like to pass on their thanks to everyone who has contributed to his care and for the many people who have loved and supported him.”
Read Also: Arsenal: David Raya Opens Up About his Relationship With Ramsdale
Manchester United paid tribute to Charlton, describing him as “one of the greatest and most beloved players in the club’s history”.
“Sir Bobby was a hero to millions, not just in Manchester, or the United Kingdom, but wherever football is played around the world,” a club statement read.
Manchester United midfielder Casemiro also paid tribute to “one of the all-time greatest players.”
He described Sir Bobby’s triumph in the 1968 European Cup as “an absolute landmark” for the club.
Center-back Raphael Varane also took X( formerly known as Twitter) referring to Sir Bobby as “the biggest of them all.”
Meanwhile, former United goalkeeper David De Gea also posted a tribute to “a legend and true pillar of Manchester United”.
Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville wrote on X: “So sorry to hear the news of Sir Bobby Charlton. The Greatest English Football player and Manchester United’s greatest ambassador.
During Saturday’s match against Sheffield United, the Red Devils wore black armbands.
Subscribe to Switch TV for more exciting content
The team’s captain, Bruno Fernandes, placed a wreath in the center circle while a minute’s applause was observed before kick-off in the Premier League fixture at Bramall Lane.
Speaking ahead of the game, manager Erik ten Hag said: “The whole football world is losing a legend, a big personality, a giant. He was that on the pitch and definitely also off the pitch. He set the standard as a Manchester United player.
On Sunday, a condolence book will be available to fans and the general public starting at 10 am in the International Suite at Old Trafford.
