SIMON THOMAS choked up as he announced the sad news of Sir Bobby Charlton’s death.
The 1966 England World Cup winner passed away aged 86 today after a battle with dementia.
And with the news breaking at 4pm, Thomas told Soccer Saturday viewers at half-time during the afternoon’s matches.
The Sky Sports presenter was visibly emotional as he confirmed the passing of the football icon.
He said: “It’s one of those moments that you kind of knew was coming at some point but it is the moment that has so sadly arrived in the last few minutes.
“It’s a statement that comes from the family of the Manchester United, the England legend Sir Bobby Charlton.”
Thomas then read out the family statement.
Charlton’s family said: “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.”
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Thomas also referenced the “great” Charlton’s exploits for the Three Lions, including 49 goals in 106 caps.
The presenter then mentioned his Manchester United career, which included 758 appearances, the 1968 European Cup and surviving the Munich Air Disaster aged 20.
Charlton was diagnosed with dementia – the illness his brother Jack also suffered from – in late 2020.
Thomas added: “In the last few moments, so sadly but not unexpectedly, a huge huge loss to the world of football.
“We have seen an absolute giant, a true giant of the game departs football’s stage. A simply magical, wonderful player. A wonderful man as well.”
Pundits Paul Merson and Clinton Morrison were among the first to give their reactions to the tragic loss of a footballing hero.
Merson said: “In football terms, ‘legend’ is used loosely but Sir Bobby Charlton was an absolute legend.
“He is one of the all-time greats of English football, no doubt about it. He is a legend.
“I never heard anyone say a bad word about the man ever.”
Morrison added: “I echo Merse’s words, he’ll be sorely missed. I send thoughts and prayers out to his family because it’s a sad time.
“What a footballer, what a human being, what a gentleman.”
Fellow Soccer Saturday Tim Sherwood added: “Such an inspiration for so many at that great football club, Manchester United.
“He always had time for people, a wonderful person who will be sadly missed.”
And tributes poured in on social media for the Manchester United and England legend immediately.
The last remaining survivor of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning squad and final hat-trick hero Geoff Hurst said: “Very sad news today – one of the true Greats Sir Bobby Charlton has passed away. We will never forget him and nor will all of football.
“A great colleague and friend he will be sorely missed by all of the country beyond sport alone. Condolences to his family & friends from Geoff and Judith.”
Gary Lineker tweeted: “Deeply saddened to hear that Sir Bobby Charlton has died. A truly wonderful footballer and genuinely lovely man.
“A World Cup winner, Man Utd 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.”
BELOVED BOBBY
United icon 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.”
Various teams – including Arsenal. and England – shared their condolences as well as Uefa and the Premier League.
A lengthy message from the Red Devils said: “Manchester United are in mourning following the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton, one of the greatest and most beloved players in the history of our club.
“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.
“A graduate of our youth Academy, Sir Bobby played 758 games and scored 249 goals during 17 years as a Manchester United player, winning the European Cup, three league titles and the FA Cup.
“For England, he won 106 caps and scored 49 goals for England, and won the 1966 World Cup. Following his retirement, he went on to serve the club with distinction as a director for 39 years.
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“His unparalleled record of achievement, character and service will be forever etched in the history of Manchester United and English football; and his legacy will live on through the life-changing work of the Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation.
“The club’s heartfelt sympathies are with his wife Lady Norma, his daughters and grandchildren, and all who loved him.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
