WAYNE ROONEY found out Sir Bobby Charlton had died halfway through Birmingham’s loss to Middlesbrough.
The Manchester United icon’s sad passing at the age of 86 was announced on Saturday afternoon.
His passing was relayed inside the Riverside Stadium as the players emerged for the second half.
Players, coaches and fans applauded as Charlton’s image was displayed on the big screen inside the ground.
Both Rooney and Boro boss Michael Carrick admitted they were emotional and in shock at the news of the World Cup winner’s passing.
The pair are both former United players, with Rooney surpassing Charlton as the club’s all-time top scorer in 2017.
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Speaking after the match, the Birmingham manager told reporters: “I’m still in shock.
“I saw his image on the big screen at the start of the second half and didn’t know what was happening. He was a legend but more importantly a great human being.”
Rooney went on to add: “Sir Bobby was always great with me, we had conversations not just about football but about life.
“He’s a huge loss to football and a huge loss to his family, more importantly. He’ll be greatly missed.”
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The former Derby boss was taking charge of his first match since being appointed by Birmingham earlier this month.
However, he was unable to make a successful start as his side fell to a late defeat on the road.
Morgan Rogers scored the winner for Middlesbrough in the 89th minute.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
