By Victor Kanayo
England and Manchester United great, Bobby Charlton, has been confirmed dead by his family.
Aged 86, Charlton died on Saturday.
Family Confirmation
A statement by his family, said, “It is with great sadness that we share the news that Sir Bobby passed peacefully in the early hours of Saturday morning. He was surrounded by his family,”
Man Utd Mourns
His famous club Manchester United in a condolence message said, “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.
“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.
“The club’s heartfelt sympathies are with his wife Lady Norma, his daughters and grandchildren, and all who loved him.”
Charlton’s European Cup success at United came 10 years after the Munich air disaster, which he and team manager Matt Busby survived but which claimed the lives of eight of Charlton’s team-mates.
Charlton was a key member of England’s victorious 1966 World Cup team and also enjoyed great success at club level with United, which became the first English club to win the European Cup in 1968.
