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      Fans lay down flowers, shirts and scarves next to Sir Bobby Charlton’s Old Trafford statue as they honour Man Utd icon

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      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.
      READ MORE ON BOBBY CHARLTON
      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.
      Most read in Football
      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

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      Rashford posts incredible pic of Sir Bobby Charlton with Man Utd star at his first contract signing in emotional tribute

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      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.
      Read More on Sir Bobby
      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

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      Man Utd and Sheff Utd stars pay emotional tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton at Bramall Lane after England legend’s death

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      MANCHESTER UNITED and Sheffield United paid tribute to England legend Sir Bobby Charlton with a minute’s silence ahead of their Premier League clash at Bramall Lane.The Man Utd icon passed away on Saturday afternoon at the age of 86 after a battle with dementia.
      Manchester United and Sheffield United fans and players took a moments silence in honour of Sir Bobby CharltonCredit: Reuters
      The United squad linked arms as they paid their tributesCredit: Reuters
      Erik ten Hag applauded following the sombre moment of silence
      Fans laid flowers on Sir Bobby’s statue outside Old Trafford todayCredit: Reuters
      Less than four hours after his death had been announced, his old club and Sheffield United took to the pitch for Saturday’s evening kick off – which United won 2-1 thanks to goals from Scott McTominay and Diogo Dalot.
      And they honoured Sir Bobby’s incredible legacy with a moment of silence before kick-off.
      It was observed respectfully by all those inside Bramall Lane as emotional away fans paid tribute to one of their own.
      Supporters of the Manchester giants were heard chanting the name of Sir Bobby Charlton before kick off too.
      READ MORE ON SIR BOBBY
      Man Utd released a statement on their website that read: “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.”
      Sheffield United also shared a similar statement of their own on social media.
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      Sir Bobby played his final game for Manchester United in 1973Credit: Rex
      Man Utd captain Bruno Fernandes carried out wreath pre-kick off in honour of the heroCredit: Getty
      The wreath was laid on the pitch before the game kicked offCredit: Reuters
      Sir Bobby is both an England and Manchester United legendCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Sir Bobby is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
      He played in the Three Lions’ World Cup triumph in 1966 and went on to win the Ballon d’Or later that year.
      He scored 249 goals in 758 games for Manchester United – helping them to their first ever European Cup win in 1968.
      Despite playing as a midfielder, Sir Bobby netted a further 49 times in 106 games for England.
      He spent almost all of his playing career at Man Utd and was renowned for his passing and long-range shots.
      Sir Bobby survived the Munich Air Disaster in 1958 that killed eight of his team-mates.
      His wife Lady Norma revealed the star’s battle with dementia in November 2020 in a bid to “help others”.
      The sad news furthered calls to investigate the link between football and dementia more vigorously.
      A statement from Charlton’s 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 from the likes of former England team-mate Sir Geoff Hurst, Gary Lineker, Gary Neville and Eric Cantona.
      Hurst is now the only living member of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning side.
      Man Utd fans paid their tributes to Sir Bobby throughout the day at Old TraffordCredit: PA
      Scott McTominay paid tribute to the club legend before the match kicked offCredit: SKY SPORTS
      Man United star McTominay spoke to Sky Sports and was visibly emotional as he spoke about the loss of Sir Bobby.
      He said: “It’s devastating to be honest with you, he was an icon at the football club and all over the world. Everyone knew him from being a legend of the game and, more importantly, such an incredible guy as well.
      “He’s done so much for the club over the years and everyone is going into this game tonight thinking of him.
      Read More on The Sun
      “He paved the way for people like myself, Marcus [Rashford] and Jesse [Lingard] who came through the Academy. So for us especially, feeling what he’s done at this football club, it’s difficult. Our thoughts are with his family and everyone at this time.
      “It’s difficult but the game is going ahead and we have to do it for Sir Bobby. He was an icon and a legend all around the world in football terms. My mum is obviously devastated and everyone who has grown up watching him over the years has just got to thank him really for everything he’s done for the game.” More

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      Prince William hails ‘legend & gentleman’ Sir Bobby Charlton as he pays tribute to England star following death aged 86

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      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.
      Read more on football
      “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.
      Most read in Football
      “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.
      Read More on The Sun
      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

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      Bobby Charlton’s health battle after Man Utd legend’s dementia diagnosis – the same illness that claimed brother Jack

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      SIR Bobby Charlton fought a health battle after being diagnosed with dementia, the same illness that claimed his brother Jack.The England and Manchester United football legend, who has died aged 86, had been suffering for several years.
      Sir Bobby Charlton fought a health battle after being diagnosed with dementiaCredit: Paul Edwards – The Sun
      Bobby’s brother Jack (M) died of dementia in July 2020, World Cup winner Nobby Stiles (L) died that OctoberCredit: Getty
      When Jack died aged 85 in July 2020, Bobby himself was in ill health and unable to attend the funeral.
      By November of that year, Bobby’s wife Lady Norma Charlton confirmed his dementia diagnoses.
      The couple hoped going public “could help” others affected.
      Bobby’s diagnosis reignited debate within the game about the link between heading the ball and brain disease.
      Read More on Bobby Charlton
      Charlton was one of several World Cup winners to be diagnosed with dementia, including Jack.
      Ray Wilson was the first to succumb to dementia in July 2018 and Martin Peters died of the disease a year later.
      Nobby Stiles, famed for dancing with the Jules Rimet Trophy in one hand and his dentures in the other, died in October 2020 of dementia.
      Sir Geoff Hurst, the only surviving member of the World Cup winning team, said in 2020: “It’s just been a nightmare year.”
      Most read in Football
      Dementia is an umbrella term that covers a lot of different conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease.
      Alzheimer’s disease, which is the most common form of dementia, is responsible for around two thirds of the cases of dementia in the UK, which is why people sometimes get confused. 
      Both diseases affect millions of people all over the world and are a leading cause of death globally.
      There are around 944,000 people with dementia in the UK and this number is expected to increase, Alzheimer’s Research UK said in May. More

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      Sir Bobby Charlton’s ‘difficult’ relationship with brother Jack – from sharing World Cup triumph to later growing apart

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      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.
      Read More on Bobby Charlton
      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.
      Most read in Football
      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.”
      Read More on The Sun
      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

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      I owe everything to Sir Bobby Charlton… without him I might not have played for Man Utd, I’m even named after him

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      DAVID BECKHAM admitted he would never have played for Manchester United had it not been for Sir Bobby Charlton. The United legend has sadly passed away aged 86 following a battle with dementia as the tributes have poured in.
      David Beckham and Sir Bobby Charlton pictured in 2012Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Charlton – a 1966 England World Cup winner – is close to Beckham’s heart having been his dad Ted’s favourite player.
      Becks is even named after the Man Utd legend – his middle name is Robert – as his dad confirmed on his Netflix documentary.
      And the former Three Lions skipper could not speak more highly of his footballing hero.
      He told the BBC: “Sir Bobby’s has always been about being successful in his career, but he’s even more about helping other people and helping others.
      READ MORE ON SIR BOBBY
      “And that’s what’s special about him as a person. He’s respected on the field and he’s respected even more so off the field.
       “To look back all those years ago and to say Sir Bobby was one of the main reasons why I was able to join Manchester United.
      “Because after being at his soccer school, he passed the world on to the club that maybe you should look out for me.
      “I owe everything to Sir Bobby because if not, maybe I wouldn’t have had the chance of living my dream of playing for the club that I supported for so many years and the club that my dad supported, so me and my dad have a lot to thank Sir Bobby for.”
      Most read in Football
      Beckham and Charlton were both league and European champions during their time at United.
      And the club were quick to pay respect to the iconic player.
      A statement read: “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.
      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.
      Despite playing as a midfielder, Sir Bobby netted a further 49 times in 106 games for England.
      He spent almost all of his playing career at Man Utd and was renowned for his passes and long-range shots.
      Sir Bobby Charlton and former team-mate George BestCredit: Getty
      Charlton helped England to World Cup glory in 1966Credit: PA
      Charlton pictured in 2016Credit: Getty – Contributor
      The United legend with his wife NormaCredit: 2013 David M. Benett More

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      Bobby Charlton & Norma Ball: Their incredible 64-year love story from meeting at Manchester ice rink to raising a family

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      BOBBY Charlton and his sweetheart Norma Ball enjoyed an incredible 64-year love story that began when meeting at a Manchester ice rink.They met the year after England and Manchester United legend Sir Bobby, whose death aged 86 has prompted worldwide tributes, survived the Munich air disaster.
      Devoted married couple Bobby and Norma Charlton had two daughters
      They wed on August 30 1961, two years after first meeting at a Manchester ice rinkCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Sir Bobby and Lady Charlton were together for 64 yearsCredit: 2013 David M. Benett
      The couple married in 1961 and raised two daughters Suzanne, who became a BBC weather presenter, and Andrea.
      Suzanne’s son Robert was named after his iconic granddad.
      It was Lady Charlton who announced in 2020, with his approval, that Sir Bobby had been diagnosed with dementia.
      Norma said they hoped the announcement could “help others” who were suffering and their loved ones.
      Read More On Bobby Charlton
      Both Bobby and Norma, née Ball, were by nature private people – despite his status as a footballing golden boy and a global superstar.
      But the strength of their loving bond was clear to all who knew them, even playing a part in a family fall-out.
      Norma was there watching at Wembley Stadium when Bobby and his team-mates won the World Cup on July 30 1966.
      Days earlier he hit the two unstoppable shots against Portugal which clinched the Three Lions’ place in the final, where they beat West Germany 4-2.
      Most read in Football
      She also accompanied him to Buckingham Palace in July 1994 when he received his knighthood.
      Sir Bobby rarely spoke about his long rift with older brother Jack, who was also part of that World Cup-winning side.
      But he did talk about it in 2007, revealing there was tension between his wife and his mother Cissie as well as Jack.
      And he revealed how when it came to a choice, he sided with his wife.
      Sir Bobby also accused Jack of making “absolutely disgraceful” statements about Norma.
      He said: “My wife is a very strong character and does not suffer fools gladly.
      “I am not suggesting my mother was a fool – there was a clash and it just never went away really.”
      He was responding after Jack claimed Sir Bobby failed to visit their mother before her death and appeared to blame Norma for falling out with her.
      But Sir Bobby insisted his wife had tried in vain to make peace with Cissie, leaving him with an agonising choice to make.
      He told The Times: “We stopped seeing each other – at the end of the day you have to have your priorities and mine was my wife.
      “I suppose if I’d made a major effort, maybe I could have changed things – but it wouldn’t have changed anything at all.”
      Jack died aged 85 in July 2020, having also suffered from dementia.
      Bobby was angry about newspaper interviews in which Jack criticised Norma, describing her as “hoity-toity”.
      The younger brother accused ex-Leeds United defender Jack of making “a big mistake”, adding: “I don’t understand why he did it.
      Read More on The Sun
      “He couldn’t possibly have known her and said what he said – I was astonished.
      “I made my mind up that I would protect my wife whatever happens and that’s the way I saw it.”
      Bobby and Norma celebrated together at a reception following England’s World Cup final triumph over West Germany in July 1966Credit: 2005 Getty Images
      They lived together in Lymm in CheshireCredit: Mirrorpix
      They raised daughters Suzanne and Andrea at their Cheshire homeCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      They travelled from Heathrow to Australia in June 1970 after that summer’s World Cup in Mexico where Bobby was subbed off in England’s quarter-final defeat
      Norma accompanied Bobby to Buckingham Palace when he was knighted in July 1994Credit: UPP:Universal Pictorial Press and Agency
      They were a regular presence at Manchester United’s Old Trafford homeCredit: Carl Recine More