Celebrity deaths

SIR BOBBY CHARLTON’S brother has released a heartfelt tribute to the Manchester United and England legend. Bobby Charlton passed away on Saturday at the age of 86 after a battle with dementia.
Tommy Charlton has released a heartfelt tribute to his late brother Sir Bobby CharltonCredit: Reuters
Sir Bobby passed away on Saturday after a battle with dementiaCredit: 2016 Manchester United FC
And alongside an outpouring of love from all around the footballing world, Sir Bobby’s youngest brother Tommy has released a tribute to his “hero”.
The 77-year-old is the last surviving of the three Charlton brothers and has said that Sir Bobby will be reunited with eldest brother Jack in heaven, who passed away in 2020 aged 85.
Speaking to The Mirror, Tommy said: “Throughout my life, from being a little boy, I have never felt anything other than pride in both of Jack and Bob.
“Being the youngest, Jack was a big, towering guy, my big brother, I looked up to him growing up. And I respected Bob’s integrity and intelligence. You could talk to him about any subject.
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“I am a little bit annoyed that football took them away from me when we were young.
“From the age of ten, I would see them when they came home from their clubs, or we went to visit. Other families were growing up together.
“If ever there was a place reserved in heaven, it is for Bob. He is going to be up there. He was world famous, he was so loved.
“He and Jack were everybody’s heroes, they were idols to other people. But to me, they were my brothers. That is where my heart is, with my brothers.”
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Jack and Bobby Charlton are both England football legendsCredit: Getty
Jack and Sir Bobby were integral parts of England’s World Cup-winning squad in 1966.
But the pair didn’t always have an easy relationship with difficult moments putting a strain on their bond.
However, they were able to put their differences aside for an embrace after they lifted the Jules Rimet some 57 years ago.
Sir Bobby’s passing means Sir Geoff Hurst is the only living member remaining of England’s World Cup winning squad.
Fans have mourned the loss of one of the game’s greatest ever players while Man Utd players observed a minute’s silence ahead of their 2-1 victory over Sheffield United on Saturday night.
Stars have also paid tribute to the footballing great with the likes of Gary Neville and Wayne Rooney speaking highly of the icon.
Prince William also spoke about Sir Bobby labelling him as a “legend” and “gentleman”.
Man Utd fans have been laying tributes for Sir Bobby by his statue at Old TraffordCredit: Getty More

MANCHESTER UNITED fans are flooding to Old Trafford to pay their respects to Sir Bobby Charlton.The 86-year-old passed away yesterday following a brave battle with dementia.
Fans paid tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton outside Old TraffordCredit: AFP
Fans laid flowers and scarfs by his statueCredit: Getty
Sir Bobby passed away aged 86 yesterdayCredit: PA
He is a Man Utd and England heroCredit: PA
Charlton passed after a battle with dementiaCredit: PA
A book of condolence was opened at Old TraffordCredit: Getty
Supporters queued to write their personal message in his memoryCredit: Getty
Charlton was one of the greatest ever players to feature for Manchester United and England.
Many fans made the trip to Old Trafford this morning to say farewell to their hero.
A book of condolence has been opened at the stadium and a digital version has also been created.
Meanwhile, fans laid flowers, scarfs and shirts by the “United Trinity” statue that depicts him, George Best and Denis Law.
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Shirts with Charlton’s name on the back with messages written on them were also placed on the floor by mourning supporters.
Sir Bobby scored 249 goals in 758 games for Man Utd.
He has legendary status, having played a key role in rebuilding the club after eight of his team-mates passed away in the Munich Air Disaster in 1958.
Charlton survived the crash and fired United to a European Cup win ten years later.
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The midfielder was also a Three Lions icon, having been part of the team that won the 1966 World Cup.
Sir Bobby went on to lift the Ballon d’Or after the triumph as he was crowned the best player in the world.
He netted 49 times in 106 games for England with only Wayne Rooney and Harry Kane above him in the all-time scoring charts.
United put out a touching tribute to Sir Bobby yesterday, which read: “He was a hero to millions, not just in Manchester, or the United Kingdom, but wherever football is played around the world.”
Marcus Rashford, Prince William and Sir Geoff Hurst are among those to pen emotional tributes to the legend.
A scarf was wrapped around the statue of CharltonCredit: PA
The ‘United Trilogy’ statue was covered with tributesCredit: Getty
Charlton has a stand named after him at Old TraffordCredit: Getty
Supporters penned emotion-filled message to him and his familyCredit: PA
Charlton went on to manage Preston and WiganCredit: Getty
Charlton scored 249 goals for UnitedCredit: EPA More

MANCHESTER UNITED forward Marcus Rashford has paid tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton with a heartfelt Instagram post.Sir Bobby passed away peacefully on Saturday after a three-year battle with dementia.
Marcus Rashford paid tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton on social mediaCredit: Instagram @marcusrashford
Man Utd and Sheffield United paid tribute to the England legend on SaturdayCredit: AFP
A statement from his 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.”
Tributes poured in for the Man Utd and England legend on Saturday evening, with the likes of David Beckham, Gary Lineker and Gary Neville all paying their respects.
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Rashford has become the latest star to pay tribute.
He took to Instagram to share a photo of his first professional contract signing – when he was joined by his family and Sir Bobby.
Alongside the photo, Rashford wrote: “I signed my first professional contract at Man Utd with Sir Bobby.
“Thank you for all the support and advice that you provided to me.
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“That win was for you and your family.”
Rashford was named in the Man Utd squad that faced Sheffield United on Saturday evening, just a few hours after Sir Bobby’s death was announced.
Before kick-off, both teams paid tribute to the 1966 World Cup hero with a minute’s silence.
United captain Bruno Fernandes also laid flowers in the centre circle.
The Red Devils went on to win the match 2-1 thanks to goals from Scott McTominay and Diogo Dalot.
At full time, Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag dedicated the victory to Sir Bobby.
He said: “Very sad, our thoughts are with his family, especially his wife, his children and grandchildren.
“What he achieved in football was immense. Also his personality off the pitch. The football world lost a big man.
“We had to show our respect for him and I think we did that today. We wanted to celebrate but also to remember him.
“[The tribute from our fans] was fantastic. We have to pay contribution, pay our big goodbye, remembering Bobby Charlton because what he did was magnificent.
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“He was outstanding on the pitch and off it.
“We wanted to remember Sir Bobby and I think we did it in a decent way.” More

PRINCE William hailed Sir Bobby Charlton a “legend and gentleman” as he joined the nation in remembering the England star. The 1966 World Cup hero, 86, died on Saturday morning after a three-year battle with dementia.
Prince William has paid tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton after hearing the news of his death todayCredit: Getty
The Prince hailed the England football star a ‘legend and gentleman’Credit: Getty
Sir Bobby, pictured in 1966, is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all timeCredit: Top Foto
The football great’s family said he “passed away peacefully” surrounded by those who meant the most to him.
Tributes have been pouring in for Sir Bobby – with his former clubs and teammates leading with heartwarming memories.
The Prince of Wales, 41, also paid tribute to the hero – dubbing him a “true great”.
William wrote on X, previously known as Twitter: “Sir Bobby Charlton. First Division Champion. European Champion. World Champion. Gentleman. Legend.
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“A true great who will be remembered forever. Thank you Sir Bobby. W.”
The Prince is the president of the Football Association, and shared the sweet tribute on his and Princess Kate’s social media.
Sir Bobby’s heartbroken family shared a statement to let the nation know the tragic news just hours after his death.
They wrote: “It is with great sadness that we share the news that Sir Bobby passed peacefully in the early hours of Saturday morning.
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“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.”
Sir Geoff Hurst, who is now the last surviving member of the 1966 World Cup-winning team, led the tributes to his former teammate.
He said: “Very sad news today 1 of the true Greats Sir Bobby Charlton has passed away. 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.”
Sir Bobby’s former club Manchester United also paid their respects to the legend.
They said the club was mourning, adding: “Sir Bobby was a hero to millions, not just in Manchester, or the United Kingdom, but wherever football is played around the world.”
Sir Bobby is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
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He played in the Three Lions’ World Cup triumph in 1966 and went on to win Ballon d’Or later that year.
He also scored 249 goals in 758 games for Manchester United – helping them to their first ever European Cup win in 1968.
Sir Geoff Hurst today led the tributes to his former teammateCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Mourners laid flowers at Sir Bobby’s memorial statueCredit: PA More

SIR Bobby Charlton, who has died aged 86, went from muddied pitches of the North East to lifting the 1966 World Cup.And he shared much of his legendary football career with his brother, the late Jack Charlton.
Despite rubbing shoulders throughout their careers, the brothers’ relationship was not straightforwardCredit: Getty
Despite their differences, the pair did embrace when they won the 1966 World Cup.Credit: Getty
But despite rubbing shoulders with Jack throughout Bobby’s stellar 27-year career, the brothers’ relationship was not straightforward.
The pair were born in Ashington, around 15 miles north of Newcastle, into a family with football in its blood.
Four of his mum Cissie’s brothers were pros, and her cousin was Newcastle United legend Jackie Milburn.
The Charlton boys quickly rose up through English football to become household names.
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But personality differences left their relationship struggling.
Jack, with his outgoing and happy-go-lucky personality, clashed with sensitive Bobby.
Despite their differences, the pair did embrace when they won the 1966 World Cup.
But their relationship was strained when a rift developed between Jack and Bobby’s wife Norma Bell.
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Bobby, who won the Ballon d’Or in 1966, accused Jack of siding with Cissie over her dislike of Norma, who she saw as strong-willed.
Norma thought Cissie was overbearing with her lads.
Throughout the 1980s, it was suggested that Bobby tried to avoid seeing his mum.
This included a training day of his which reportedly took place just 250 yards from the family home in Ashington.
Jack later accused Bobby of not visiting their mother before her death in 1996.
In 2007, Bobby accused Jack of “absolutely disgraceful” comments about Norma.
Bobby told the Guardian: “[Jack] came out in the newspapers saying things about my wife that were absolutely disgraceful. Nonsense.
“Ask anybody that ever met my wife: ‘hoity-toity’ is not a word they’d use.
“My brother made a big mistake. I don’t understand why he did it. He couldn’t possibly have known her and said what he said.
“I was astonished.”
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Their relationship did recover and in 2008 Jack presented Bobby with a lifetime achievement award at BBC Sports Personality of The Year.
Jack died aged 85 in 2020 but Bobby was too ill to attend the funeral.
In 2007, Bobby accused Jack of ‘absolutely disgraceful comments’ about Norma. (L)Credit: 2018 Manchester United FC
Bobby accused Jack of siding with Cissie over her dislike of Norma, who she saw as strong-willedCredit: Getty
In later years the Charlton brothers rekindled their relationshipCredit: Getty More