TRIBUTES TO AN ICON

RYAN GIGGS: “When you get a stand named after you, then you’re a pretty special player. You’d go on pre-season tours and fans would run past some of the stars, just to get to Sir Bobby. He epitomises United – a true gentleman.” GARY NEVILLE: “You have to put Bobby Charlton in the bracket of great players like Pele, Maradona, Beckenbauer and Platini. On that pitch, with that ball, to be able to hit it like that from that distance – even today you don’t see many of them. He’s a fantastic man, so approachable, and he inspired us all through our careers.” PAUL SCHOLES: “You can’t talk about Manchester United without mentioning Charlton, Law and Best. I always remember, after every game, win or lose, Sir Bobby would come into the dressing-room and offer his congratulations or a pat on the shoulder. That said it all – he was feeling the pain too. He’s a true fan and a true legend of the game.” RIO FERDINAND: “He’s just Mr Football. He’s the best ambassador you could have. That’s the mark of the man. The strength of him, the tragedy that he’s seen – friends, team-mates, dying in front of him, being a part of that crash. And to then dust yourself down and go again, the character to do that, can’t be underestimated. All that he’s achieved as a footballer, as a man after football, what he represents – he’s still that guy next door.” ERIC CANTONA: “He could defend, attack, give a ball, score – and he was a leader. His life is like a script for a big movie. I can’t understand why they haven’t made it. Happy Birthday, Sir Bobby.” BRYAN ROBSON: “He’s been an unbelievable ambassador throughout the world for England and United. You can’t speak highly enough of him and what he’s done for the game.”