England Soccer Legend, Bobby Charlton, Dead At 86
David Beckham has been at the forefront of the tributes to Sir Bobby Charlton, the former England and Manchester United star who passed away after a long battle with dementia.
After learning of Sir Bobby Charlton's passing at the age of 86, David Beckham issued a statement paying homage to the Manchester United and England hero.
Charlton is considered to be one of the finest players in the history of Manchester United. During his time with the club, he made 758 appearances and scored 249 goals, making him one of the team's all-time greats.
David Beckham expressed his gratitude for Sir Bobby Charlton in a heartfelt post on Instagram, saying, "Sir Bobby was the reason I had the opportunity to play for Manchester United."
"Our hearts are burdened on this day. I shall be eternally thankful to a man who was a hero to many people not just in Manchester and our country, where he won the World Cup in 1966... A gentleman par excellence, devoted to his family, and unequivocally a national hero... It's not only a terrible day for Manchester United and England; it's a sad day for football and everything that Sir Bobby stood for. Today is a sad day for all of it.
Our prayers are with Lady Norma, their daughters, and all of their grandkids. May you rest in peace, Sir Bobby. x"
Charlton, who was born in Ashington, won the World Cup with England in 1966 and the European Cup with Manchester United in 1968. Charlton also won three First Division titles during his time at United.
On Saturday night (Australian Eastern Daylight Time), the Manchester United and England legend passed away with his family by his side.
The only people who will remember Charlton are his wife, Lady Norma, their daughters Suzanne and Andrea, and their grandchildren.
Charlton, a native of Northumberland not far from the Scottish border, is widely considered to be a football legend. He played a key role in England's historic 1966 World Cup victory.
England's legendary hat trick scorer from their 4-2 triumph over West Germany at Wembley, Sir Geoff Hurst, is the sole surviving member of the team. George Cohen, a former right defender for England, passed away in December at the age of 83.
In November 2020, just four months after his older brother Jack Charlton, another hero from 1966, passed away at the age of 85, Charlton was diagnosed with dementia.
We are heartbroken to inform you of Sir Bobby's passing on Saturday morning. He passed away quietly. "He passed away peacefully with his family by his side," said a statement released by the Charlton family.
His loved ones wish to express their gratitude to all those who have helped in his care and to the many people who have loved and supported him. Please respect the family's wish for privacy at this time.
"one of the greatest and most beloved players in the history of our club," Manchester United announced in a statement of condolence.
The club released a statement reading, "Sir Bobby was a hero to millions, not just in Manchester or the United Kingdom, but wherever football is played in the world."
Twenty years ago, in 1958, eight of the famous soccer player's teammates and 23 other people perished in the Munich Air Disaster. The player went on to have an unbelievable career.
He spent 17 years at United, leading them to three league titles, an FA Cup, and the European Cup as captain. He played every game as if it were for his fallen friends.
Charlton scored 249 goals for Manchester United in his career, including two in the historic victory over Benfica in the 1968 European Cup final.
A statue of the "Holy Trinity," consisting of Charlton, George Best, and Denis Law, stands in front of Old Trafford. Charlton is one of the three players honored in this way.
After retiring from playing football, Charlton took over as manager of Preston North End from 1973 to 1975 and then went on to become a director at Wigan Athletic.