A gentleman.. a hero
GEOFF Hurst led tributes after England’s greatest and best-loved footballer Bobby Charlton died aged 86 yesterday.
Bobby, the midfield heartbeat of England’s 1966 World Cup winning side, was renowned as a hero on the pitch and a gent off it.
Last night, Geoff, 81 – now the last living member of the team – spoke for many when he said: “We will never forget him and nor will all of football.
“One of the true greats… he will be sorely missed by all of the country beyond sport alone.”
Match of the Day’s Gary Lineker – who scored one goal fewer than Bobby for England – called him “England’s greatest-ever player”, adding: “He may no longer be with us but he’ll have footballing immortality.”
Bobby’s club Manchester United called him “a giant of the game” and “one of the greatest and most beloved players in the history of our club”.
David Beckham, a product of the Bobby Charlton Soccer Schools, said: “Sir Bobby was the reason I had the opportunity to play for Man-chester United.”
The former England captain, handed the middle name Robert in honour of Bobby, added: “I will be forever grateful to a man I was named after, someone I looked up to and was a hero to many around the world… a true gentleman, family man and truly a national hero…”
Ex-united teammate Gary Neville added: “A champion on and off the pitch and a Busby Babe that paved the way for all to come at United.”
And Wayne Rooney, the only man who has scored more goals than Bobby for the Red Devils, described Bobby as a legend, adding: “Sad day for football, sad day obviously for his family.”
Sir Bobby’s family said the legend, who is survived by his wife of 62 years Norma, passed peacefully in the early hours of Saturday morning surrounded by his family. They expressed their thanks to everyone who has contributed to his care and for the many people who have loved and supported him.
He was diagnosed with dementia in 2020, one of five “boys of 66” to suffer it, including his elder brother Jack who died aged 85 three years ago.
The coal miner’s son was born into a football-mad family in Ashington, Northumberland, and joined Manchester United as a schoolboy in 1953, staying with them for 20 years. Aged 20 he survived the 1958 Munich air crash – which killed eight ‘Busby Babes’ teammates – and helped rebuild the side, which he captained to victory in the 1968 European Cup.
Capped by England 106 times, he scored 49 goals for his country – a tally bettered only by Harry Kane and
Wayne Rooney.
In the 1966 World Cup, he scored three goals, including England’s two against Portugal to win the semi-final 2-1, and was awarded football’s highest honour the Ballon d’or.
He was admired by teammates and opponents alike. West German legend Franz Beckenbauer, who had to mark him in the 1966 final, said he “had the lungs of a horse”.
Within minutes of the news of Sir Bobby’s death being announced, fans flocked to Old Trafford to pay respects.
Some laid flowers and scarves at the United Trinity Statue – which celebrates club legends George Best, Denis Law and Sir Bobby.
“He’s one of the last greats to go, there’s only Denis left now.” John Rochdale, from Manchester, was at Sir Bobby’s final game against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in 1973.
He said: “It was 50 years ago but remember it like yesterday. At the end they played ‘goodbye Bobby, you are leaving’. He was my idol.
“His brother Jack once said, ‘I couldn’t play football, but I could stop them playing football. Our Bobby was the good footballer’.”
Manchester United’s statement added: “Sir Bobby was a hero to millions wherever football is played around the world.
“A graduate of our youth academy, Sir Bobby played 758 games and scored 249 goals during 17 years as a player, winning the European Cup, three league titles and the FA 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 English football.
“His legacy will live on through the life-changing work of the Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation.
“The club’s heartfelt sympathies are with Lady Norma, his daughters, grandchildren and all who loved him.”
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Legend has it mum Cissie taught Bobby and Jack how to play