Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton, who not only went down in the history of the club but also in the hearts of millions of fans all over the world.
The iconic attacking midfielder passed away at the age of 86 on Saturday leaving behind a legacy for many youngsters to follow and dream of in the world of football.
“It is with great sadness that we share the news that Sir Bobby passed peacefully in the early hours of Saturday morning,” a statement from his family read, as quoted from Sky Sports.
“He was surrounded by his family. His family would like to pass on their thanks to everyone who has contributed to his care and to the many people who have loved and supported him. We would request that the family’s privacy be respected at this time,” the statement further added.
The former English midfielder was born on October 11 in Ashington, Northumberland, in 1937 and made his life in Manchester. A graduate of Manchester United’s youth academy, Sir Bobby, in his decorated career, played 758 games and scored 249 goals during the 17 years of his life that he spent as a Red Devils player.
His career was marked by a number of accolades, including the European Cup, three league titles, and the FA Cup. For England, he won 106 caps, scored 49 goals, and won the 1966 World Cup.
Often hailed as one of the best to ever grace the surface, Charlton at the age of 20 years was involved in the tragic Munich Air Disaster in 1958.
The team was travelling back from a European Cup tie against Red Star Belgrade when their aircraft stopped in Germany to refuel. The first two attempts to take off from Munich airport were aborted; following the third attempt, the plane crashed.
Sir Bobby, however, survived the accident, and in his autobiography, My Manchester United Years, wrote how the incident left him traumatized.
