Bobby Charlton: Football stars and clubs send tributes to football legend

Bobby Charlton world cup liftImage source, Hulton Archive
Image caption,

Bobby Charlton lifted the world cup trophy in 1966

Football stars are sending in their tributes to former England and Manchester United player Bobby Charlton, who has died aged 86.

Sir Bobby Charlton is considered one of the best football players ever. He was in the 1966 world-cup winning England team, which is the only time England have ever won the world cup.

Manchester United described him as "one of the greatest and most beloved players in the history of our club".

Who was Bobby Charlton?

Image source, Evening Standard

Bobby Charlton helped England win the world cup in 1966. He is considered by football fans as one of the best England players of all time.

He scored 49 goals for England and won 109 caps, which were records at the time. He won the Ballon d'Or, which is one of the most prestigious awards in football.

He played for England from 1958 until 1970.

Image source, Evening Standard
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You might recognise this famous picture of England winning the world cup in 1966. Bobby Charlton can be seen on the right hand side.

He also was a huge star for Manchester United. Bobby Charlton helped the team win three league titles, one European cup and one FA cup.

He had a big career off the pitch as well, working for Preston, Wigan Athletic, and then becoming a director at his former team Manchester United.

What are people saying about him?

Image source, Alex Livesey
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Bobby Charlton had a stand at Manchester United's football ground named after him

Sir Bobby was loved by lots of Manchester United fans, as well as footballers who grew up hoping to follow in his footsteps.

David Beckham, who used to play for Manchester United and was captain for England, was actually named after Bobby Charlton. His dad chose Robert to be his middle name because of Bobby.

Image source, PAUL ELLIS
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There's a statue to Bobby Charlton - and two other Manchester United teammates - at his club's ground, Old Trafford. Members of the public have been leaving flowers outside it to say thank you.

England manager Gareth Southgate described Bobby Charlton as an "undisputed legend".

"One of our most iconic players, Sir Bobby Charlton's impact on our only World Cup triumph is there for all to see" he said.

Image source, Hulton Archive
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This picture is from 1968 - it shows Bobby Charlton taking a corner for Manchester United

Bobby's former England teammate Geoff Hurst - who he won the world cup with - posted on social media about him, saying "we will never forget him and nor will all of football". Geoff Hurst scored a hat trick in England's winning world cup final.

Sir Bobby was a hero to millions, not just in Manchester, or the United Kingdom, but wherever football is played around the world

Manchester United
Image source, Norman Quicke
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Bobby and his brother Jack used to play for England together

Prince William, who is the president of the FA, thanked Bobby Charlton for is service to football. "A true great who will be remembered forever. Thank you Sir Bobby".