The world of football is in mourning. The beautiful sport has just lost another of its historic figures who joins the Olympus along with other legends who have already passed on to another life such as Diego Armando Maradona, Johan Cruyff or Pelé. The figure in question won the Ballon d'Or and won a World Cup.
This is Bobby Charlton. The second top scorer in Manchester United history died this Saturday at the age of 86 from “natural causes” and left Red Devils fans and football lovers in general in shock. Among his main achievements are the 1966 World Cup (the only one for England), the Ballon d'Or in that same year and the 1967/68 European Cup.
Manchester United's statement on the death of Bobby Charlton
Manchester United is 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 United Kingdom, but wherever football is played around the world.
He was admired as much for his sportsmanship and integrity as he was for 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 during 17 years as a Manchester United player, winning the European Cup, three league titles and the FA Cup. For England, he won 106 caps and scored 49 goals, and won the 1966 World Cup.
Following his retirement, he went on to serve the club with distinction as a director for 39 years. His unparalleled record of achievement, character and service will be forever 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.
