Tributes have poured in for Sir Bobby Charlton, the Manchester United and England legend who died on Saturday at the age of 86.
A statement on behalf of the Charlton family read: "It is with great sadness that we share the news that Sir Bobby passed peacefully in the early hours of Saturday morning. He was surrounded by his family.
"His family would like to pass on their thanks to everyone who has contributed to his care and for the many people who have loved and supported him. We would request that the family's privacy be respected at this time."
Charlton was one of the Red Devils' great Busby Babes, winning the European Cup in 1968 along with three First Division titles and the 1966 World Cup with England.
United paid tribute in a statement: "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.
"The club’s heartfelt sympathies are with his wife Lady Norma, his daughters and grandchildren, and all who loved him."
World Cup winner Sir Geoff Hurst, who scored a hat-trick in the 1966 final for England, described Charlton as "a great colleague and friend".
"Very sad news today, (one) of the true Greats Sir Bobby Charlton has passed away," Sir Geoff tweeted. "We will never forget him & nor will all of football. A great colleague & friend he will be sorely missed by all of the country beyond sport alone. Condolences to his family & friends from Geoff and Judith."
Former England captain and United midfielder David Beckham praised the "national hero". Beckham came through the ranks at Manchester United having attended Bobby Charlton's Soccer School and was given the middle name Robert as his father was such a fan of the 1968 European Cup winner.
"It all began with Sir Bobby. Sir Bobby was the reason I had the opportunity to play for Manchester United... I will be forever grateful to a man I was named after, someone I looked up to and was a hero to many around the world not just in Manchester and our country where he won the World Cup in 1966," Beckham posted on Instagram.
"A true gentleman, family man and truly a national hero... Today isn't just a sad day for Manchester United & England it's a sad day for football and everything that Sir Bobby represented... Our thoughts go out to Lady Norma, their daughters and grandchildren x Rest in Peace Sir Bobby x manchesterunited england Today our hearts are heavy."
🤍 Everyone at #LUFC is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends at this sad time. RIP Sir Bobby pic.twitter.com/KMQVRHAn37
— Leeds United (@LUFC) October 21, 2023
Até sempre, Sir Bobby Charlton 🤍 pic.twitter.com/zOPf4MPmcH
— SL Benfica (@SLBenfica) October 21, 2023
Rio Ferdinand shared a personal tribute to Charlton, who both conquered Europe with United.
He stated: "Icon, Legend, Great! These words are thrown around by all of us to many who 100 per cent don’t deserve them, especially when you compare them to a man of Sir Bobby’s calibre.
"What a true gentleman of not many words, but when he spoke you stood still, stopped what you were doing and listened. A lot of the history was living and breathing through him and he was a constant at the club while I was there - travelling with us all over the world. Win, lose or draw he would be in the changing room wishing us well.
"The words he shared with me at the bottom of those stairs in Moscow, before I went up to lift the Champions League trophy will stay with me forever. What it meant to lift that trophy for Man Utd, what it meant for the fans, what it meant for us as a team and what it now meant for myself doing it as captain.
"It was a privilege for me to even get that moment with him at that specific time."
Fellow United hero Gary Neville 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."
And former England striker Gary Lineker posted: "Deeply saddened to hear that Sir Bobby Charlton has died. A truly wonderful footballer and genuinely lovely man. A World Cup winner, Manchester United great and, for me, England’s greatest ever player. He may no longer be with us but he’ll have footballing immortality. RIP Sir Bobby."
England manager Gareth Southgate added: "One of our most iconic players, Sir Bobby Charlton's impact on our only World Cup triumph is there for all to see.
"The privilege of meeting him on several occasions allowed me to understand his personal pride and emotion in having represented England and simply confirmed in my mind his standing as one of the gentlemen of the game. The world of football will unite in its sadness at losing an undisputed legend."
A global icon.
— Stan Collymore (@StanCollymore) October 21, 2023
An English icon.
World Cup Winner.
European Cup Winner.
Ballon d'Or Winner.
An all time great.
Rest in peace, Sir Bobby. pic.twitter.com/hfvgEE40Qe
RIP Sir Bobby Charlton.
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) October 21, 2023
Survived the Munich air disaster to become England’s most iconic footballer.
Won the World Cup.
Won the European Cup.
Won the Ballon d’Or.
Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for services to the game he loved.
A legend and a gentleman. pic.twitter.com/4bCag8zjsV
Tributes have also arrived from across the Premier League, with United to pay tribute on Saturday night when they play Sheffield United.
A Chelsea post read: "Everyone at Chelsea Football Club is deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of his family, friends and those at Manchester United at this difficult time."
Arsenal added: "We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton. Our thoughts are with Sir Bobby’s family, friends and everyone connected with Manchester United at this time. May he rest in peace."
A Premier League statement read: "The Premier League is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton, one of the greatest players in English football history. Our thoughts and sincere condolences go to Sir Bobby’s family and friends, and to all at Manchester United."
In its own tribute, UEFA added: "On behalf of the entire European football community, we are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton, one of the game's true greats. Rest in peace, Sir Bobby."
