TRIBUTES are pouring in after one of England and Manchester United's greatest players Sir Bobby Charlton has died aged 86.
The attacking midfielder, who scored two goals to fire the Three Lions to the World Cup final in 1966 was one of the miracle survivors of the Munich Air Disaster just eight years earlier.
Many of his team-mates and friends died in that tragedy but Charlton survived to go on to win the European Cup in 1968 under Sir Matt Busby.
George Best, Denis Law and Charlton were known as the Holy Trinity at United he won the Ballon d'Or in 1966.
Stay up to date with all the tributes…
- By Jon Boon
Most famous image
As iconic as Bobby Moore's image holding the Jules Rimet trophy is, Bobby Charlton is their alongside him.
A true leader, he was inspirational for England in lifting the trophy in 1966.
- By Jon Boon
Gary Neville on Insta
Gary Neville has poured his heart on Instagram about the death of Sir Bobby Charlton.
Charlton died aged 86, following a long battle with dementia today.
- By Jon Boon
Simon Thomas choked
Soccer Saturday's Simon Thomas choked up as he announced the sad news of Sir Bobby Charlton's death.
The 1966 World Cup winner passed away aged 86 today after a battle with dementia.
The Sky Sports presenter was visibly emotional as he confirmed the passing of the football icon.
He said: "It's one of those moments that you kind of knew was coming at some point but it is the moment that has so sadly arrived in the last few minutes.
"It's a statement that comes from the family of the Manchester United, the England legend Sir Bobby Charlton."
Thomas then read out the family statement.
- By Jon Boon
Cantona's Instagram note
Eric Cantona has paid tribute to Bobby Charlton on Instagram with a poignant message.
Alongside a snap of the legend in Utd colours, Cantona wrote: "Rest in Peace dear Sir Bobby Charlton. One of the best of all-time."
- By Jon Boon
Becks owes Charlton everything
David Beckham revealed in the past how he owes Bobby Charlton everything.
Becks told BBC Sport: "To look back all those years ago and to say Sir Bobby was one of the main reasons why I was able to join Manchester United.
"Because after being at his soccer school, he passed the world on to the club that maybe you should look out for me.
"I owe everything to Sir Bobby because if not, maybe I wouldn't have had the chance of living my dream of playing for the club that I supported for so many years and the club that my dad supported, so me and my dad have a lot to thank Sir Bobby for."
- By Jon Boon
Geoff Hurst's reaction
Fellow 1966 World Cup Geoff Hurst said: "Very sad news today 1 of the true Greats Sir Bobby Charlton has passed away. We will never forget him & nor will all of football
"A great colleague & friend he will be sorely missed by all of the country beyond sport alone. Condolences to his family & friends from Geoff and Judith."
- By Jon Boon
More tributes incoming
Ex-Man Utd star Gary Neville wrote: "So sorry to hear the news of Sir Bobby Charlton.
"The Greatest English Football player and Manchester United’s greatest ambassador.
"A champion on and off the pitch and a Busby Babe that paved the way for all to come at United. Rest In Peace Sir Bobby."
- By Jon Boon
Tributes pour in
Following the sad news of Bobby Charlton's passing, tributes poured in from across the world of football.
Gary Lineker tweeted: "Deeply saddened to hear that Sir Bobby Charlton has died. A truly wonderful footballer and genuinely lovely man.
"A World Cup winner, Man Utd great and, for me, England’s greatest ever player. He may no longer be with us but he’ll have footballing immortality. RIP Sir Bobby."
- By Jon Boon
Family statement
A statement from his family confirmed: "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.”
Charlton family statement
- By Jon Boon
Utd hero
Bobby was United’s all-time top scorer for over 40 years with 249 goals.
That was eventually beaten by Wayne Rooney.
However, his legacy at Old Trafford will never be forgotten.
Three title wins and a European Cup sealed that forever.
- By Jon Boon
England legend
Bobby Charlton was a hero for his country.
His 49 goals in 106 games was an England record, until Wayne Rooney and then Harry Kane bettered it.
However, one thing he has over those two is a World Cup winners' medal.
His three goals in the 1966 tournament propelled England to glory.
- By Alex Terrell
Sir Bobby Charlton has died at the age of 86
The sad news has reached football fans everywhere that Sir Bobby Charlton has passed away.
The Manchester United star is arguably England’s greatest ever footballer and won the World Cup in 1966 alongside his brother Jack, Geoff Hurst and Bobby Moore.
It was a miracle that Charlton ever kicked a football again after the Munich Air Disaster of 1958.
Charlton, then just, 20 walked away with mild injuries compared to other team-mates including Duncan Edwards, who died a short time later.
He went on to win the European Cup with Manchester United in 1968 and clinched the Ballon d’Or after England’s triumph in the World Cup.
His love, as ever, was always Manchester United and his association with the club lasted until the day of his death.
He was idolised by David Beckham and Wayne Rooney at Old Trafford, as well as Sir Alex Ferguson.
A statue of Charlton, George Best and Denis Law stands outside the fabled Theatre of Dreams with the three embracing.
The football world will be in mourning after Charlton’s sad death and everyone who has kicked a ball for United and England will salute one of the greatest ever to play the game.
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