Gary Neville pays tribute to ‘the greatest English player’ Sir Bobby Charlton

'The Greatest English Football player and Manchester United’s greatest ambassador'

This afternoon, the Charlton family announced Sir Bobby had “passed peacefully in the early hours of Saturday morning”, surrounded by family.

A World Cup winner with England in 1966, it was at Manchester United where he spent almost the entirety of his club career after coming through the club’s academy.

He had a glittering 17-year Manchester United career, in which he made 606 appearances and won three league titles, a European Cup and an FA Cup.

Neville, who himself made 400 appearances for the Red Devils and won eight league titles and two Champions Leagues, took to social media to pay tribute to "Manchester United's greatest ambassador."

He 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."

Along with his United career, Charlton won 106 caps for England and scored 49 international goals – records for his country at the time.

Related links:

Man United release touching statement following the death of Sir Bobby Charlton