KUALA LUMPUR — The football world is mourning the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton, who was one of the greatest attacking midfielders to grace the Old Trafford stadium from 1956 to 1973.
Bobby passed away peacefully today after a long battle with dementia since 2020. He was 86 years old.
In a statement by Manchester United today, the club said that 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; Bobby will always be remembered as a giant of the game.
“Our heartfelt sympathies are with his wife, Lady Norma, his daughters, and grandchildren,” the statement read.
A graduate of the Manchester United youth academy, Bobby played 758 games and scored 249 goals during his 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 he 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. — October 21, 2023