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21st October 2023
04:33pm BST
Manchester United have released a moving statement following the news that club legend Sir Bobby Charlton has died at the age of 86.
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.
The club paid tribute to him in a statement shared on Saturday.
The full statement reads: "Manchester United are in mourning following the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton, one of the greatest and most beloved players in the history of our club.
"Sir Bobby was a hero to millions, not just in Manchester, or the United Kingdom, but wherever football is played around the world.
"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.
"A graduate of our youth Academy, Sir Bobby played 758 games and scored 249 goals during 17 years as a Manchester United player, winning the European Cup, three league titles and the FA Cup. For England, he won 106 caps and scored 49 goals, and won the 1966 World 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 Manchester United and English football; and his legacy will live on through the life-changing work of the Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation.
"The club’s heartfelt sympathies are with his wife Lady Norma, his daughters and grandchildren, and all who loved him."
The Red Devils take on Sheffield United at Bramall Lane this evening at 8pm.
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