Izuchukwu OkosiManchester United and England legend Sir Bobby Charlton has died at the age of 86 on Saturday evening.
Charlton was a true legend of the game for the way he dominated the during his incredible playing career was one of the best football players ever to come out of England.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelCharlton was influential in England’s only ever World Cup win in 1966 on home soil and was also England’s leading goalscorer for decades (with 49 goals) until recently when both Wayne Rooney and Harry Kane overtook him.
Charlton won three league titles, FA Cup and a European Cup with Manchester United and was also named European Player of the Year in 1966.
After coming through the academy, he played for United for 17 years and made 758 appearances and scored 249 goals, as he was their all-time leading goalscorer until Rooney broke that record.
A statement from Charlton’s family, released by United, said he died on Saturday surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife, Norma, whom he married in 1961, and his two daughters.
“Sir Bobby was a hero to millions, not just in Manchester, or the United Kingdom, but wherever football is played around the world,” United said.
“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.”
Current United captain Bruno Fernandez led a procession of Man United players that strutted out of the changing room Saturday evening and led a wreath in memory of the club legend before the kick off of the game against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.
Izuchukwu Okosi is a Nigerian sports and entertainment journalist with two decades of experience in the media industry having begun his media journey in 2002 as an intern at Mundial Sports International (MSI) and Africa Independent Television (AIT), owners of Daar Communications Plc.
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