Prince William and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak ensured the immortality of former footballer Bobby Charlton, who died this Saturday at the age of 86.
“World champion. A gentleman. A legend. A true giant who will be remembered forever. Thank you, Sir Bobby,” Prince William, who is also president of the English Football Association, wrote in a post on the social network X (formerly Twitter). .
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was equally complimentary, posting on the same social media platform: “Bobby Charlton has a place in history among football’s greatest players and was immensely loved. Rest in peace Sir Bobby.”
“Words will never be enough. We mourn the loss (…) of a football legend whose influence spanned generations,” wrote FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Frenchman Eric Cantona, also a former Manchester United player, praised him: “RIP Sir Bobby Charlton. One of the greatest players of all time.”
“For me he was the best English player of all time. He may not remain among us, but he will remain immortal in the world of football. “Rest in peace Sir Bobby,” said Gary Lineker, the former England international and top scorer. 1986 World Cup, in statements to the BBC.
Robert Charlton was born on 11 October 1937 in Ashington and joined the Red Devils in 1954, where he remained until 1973 before moving to Preston North End (1973/74) and ending his Irish career. Waterford (1975).
The brother of 1966 world champion Jack Charlton, Bobby Charlton was one of the survivors of the plane crash that killed eight Manchester United players in Munich in February 1958, along with coach Matt Busby.
Charlton played a part in the rebuilding of Manchester United, winning the Premier League titles in 1964/65 and 1966/67, adding to the scepter in 1956/57, and the European Cup in 1967/68, scoring two goals. goals in the 4-1 win over Benfica in the final at Wembley.