Manchester United and England legend Bobby Charlton dies aged 86
The 1966 Ballon d'Or winner and European Cup winner passes way aged 86
English football is in mourning after Manchester United announced the death of Sir Bobby Charlton at the age of 86.
The former player was a legend of Manchester United, with whom he won the European Cup in 1968, and of England, with whom he won the World Cup in 1966. He also won the Ballon d'Or in 1966.
He had a brief managerial career between 1973 and 1983 with Preston North End and Wigan Athletic, before joining the board of directors at United, where he had spent 17 years as a player.
«Sir Bobby was a hero to millions of people, not just in Manchester or the UK, but anywhere in the world where soccer is played. He was admired as much for his sportsmanship and integrity as for his outstanding qualities as a footballer. Sir Bobby will always be remembered as a giant of the game,» said United, who play tonight (21:00) at Sheffield United.
«A World Cup winner, a Manchester United great and, for me, England's greatest player. He may no longer be with us, but he has footballing immortality. Rest in peace,» tweeted former player Gary Lineker. «England's greatest player and United's greatest ambassador. A champion on and off the pitch,» said Gary Neville.
Charlton was born in Ashington in 1937 into a family with several footballers on his mother's side (the Milburns). A modern day all-rounder, Bobby was a 'box to box' player who started in the middle, set up play and reached the box with danger. He is considered one of the most important players in history beyond just United and England. Some placed him close to Di Stefano, Pele, Maradona and Cruyff.
In 1953 he joined United's youth academy and played at Old Trafford between 1956 and 1973. He played 758 games
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