Key takeaways:
- Sir Bobby Charlton was an English soccer icon and member of the 1966 World Cup-winning team
- He was the leading scorer for both Manchester United and England for more than 40 years
- He was remembered for his sportsmanship, integrity, and outstanding qualities as a footballer
Manchester United Football Club is mourning the loss of one of its greatest players, Sir Bobby Charlton, who passed away at the age of 86.
Charlton was an English soccer icon, and a member of the 1966 World Cup-winning team. He was the leading scorer for both Manchester United (249 goals) and England (49 goals) for more than 40 years until being overtaken by Wayne Rooney.
Charlton’s career was marked by tragedy, as he survived the Munich air disaster in 1958, when a British European Airways plane carrying the Manchester United team crashed on its third attempt at takeoff, killing eight of Charlton’s teammates.
In a statement released by United, Charlton was remembered for his sportsmanship and integrity, as well as his outstanding qualities as a footballer.
“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.
Geoff Hurst is now the only living member of the World Cup winning 1966 England team. Charlton’s family released a statement saying he died Saturday surrounded by his family.
The world of football is mourning the loss of an icon, and Manchester United will continue to remember the legacy of Sir Bobby Charlton.
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