Sir Bobby Charlton, England World Cup winner and Manchester United legend, has died aged 86.
In a statement, 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. His family would like to pass on their thanks to everyone who has contributed to his care and for the many people who have loved and supported him.
“We would request that the family’s privacy be respected at this time.”
Follow live: Tributes paid to England and Man Utd football legend Sir Bobby Charlton
Manchester United said: “The club 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.
“The club’s heartfelt sympathies are with his wife Lady Norma, his daughters and grandchildren, and all who loved him.”
Sir Bobby, one of England’s greatest footballers, played 103 times for his country and scored 49 goals.
Pic: AP
He was part of the team that beat West Germany in the 1966 World Cup final at Wembley.
In a 17-year playing career for United, he played 758 games and scored 249 goals – both of which were longstanding records until, respectively, Ryan Giggs in 2008 and Wayne Rooney in 2017 surpassed his feats.
Charlton survived the Munich Air Disaster when he was aged 20.
He retired from playing football in 1976. He joined the board of directors at Manchester United in 1984 where he remained for 39 years.
He also established the Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation in 2011 which focused on removing landmines in former war zones.
In 2020, Charlton was diagnosed with dementia.
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