More stories

  • in

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

    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

  • in

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

    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

  • in

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

    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

  • in

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

    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

  • in

    Sir Geoff Hurst leads Sir Bobby Charlton tributes as last survivor of England World Cup winning squad hails ‘true great’

    SIR GEOFF HURST led the tributes for Manchester United and England legend Sir Bobby Charlton, who has died aged 86. The 1966 World Cup winner passed away after a brave battle against dementia for the past three years.
    Tributes have been paid to Sir Bobby Charlton following his death aged 86Credit: Getty
    Sir Geoff Hurst, now the last survivor of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning team, led the tributesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Sir Bobby was hailed by Gary Lineker as the greatest-ever English footballerCredit: Getty
    Hurst, now the last surviving member of the 1966 World Cup-winning team, led the way with an emotional tribute.
    He tweeted: “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.”
    Gary Lineker hailed Sir Bobby as the greatest English footballer in history.
    READ MORE ON SIR BOBBY
    He 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.”
    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.
    Most read in Football
    Charlton, bottom right, scored twice in England’s 1966 World Cup final win over West GermanyCredit: Getty
    Sir Bobby’s older brother Jack passed away in 2020Credit: PA
    “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.”
    England football’s Twitter account said: “It is with a heavy heart that we have learned of the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton.
    “An integral part of our 1966 FIFA World Cup winning campaign, Sir Bobby won 106 caps and scored 49 times for the Three Lions.
    “A true legend of our game. We will never forget you, Sir Bobby.”
    Ex-United striker Eric Cantona said: “Rest in peace dear Sir Bobby Charlton. One of the best of all time
    Former England and Chelsea captain John Terry said: “RIP Sir Bobby Charlton Heartbreaking news.
    “A True great and a wonderful man. My condolences are with the Charlton family at this terribly sad time. LEGEND.”
    TalkTV host Piers Morgan said: “RIP Sir Bobby Charlton. Survived the Munich air disaster to become England’s most iconic footballer.
    “Won the World Cup. Won the European Cup. Won the Ballon d’Or.
    “Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for services to the game he loved. A legend and a gentleman.”
    talkSPORT presenter Jamie O’Hara said: “RIP to a football icon Sir Bobby Charlton.”
    A message from Uefa read: “On behalf of the entire European football community, we are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton, one of the game’s true greats. Rest in peace, Sir Bobby.”
    The Premier League tweeted: “The Premier League is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton, one of the greatest players in English football history.  
    Sir Bobby is one of United’s most legendary playersCredit: PA:Press Association
    Sir Bobby remained involved at United long after his retirementCredit: PA:Press Association
    “Our thoughts and sincere condolences go to Sir Bobby’s family and friends, and to all at Manchester United.”
    United’s rivals Arsenal said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton.
    “Our thoughts are with Sir Bobby’s family, friends and everyone connected with Manchester United at this time. May he rest in peace.”
    Chelsea noted: “Everyone at Chelsea Football Club is deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton.
    “Our thoughts and prayers are with all of his family, friends and those at Manchester United at this difficult time.”
    Former boxer Frank Bruno said: “Bobby Charlton RIP certainly one of the greatest English players of the 60’s & 70’s. We met on many occasions he always called me Big Man or Big Frank.
    “When you look at his life story from being 1 of the Busby Babes and his amazing goals just revisit them on the net. He was a Legend with a capital L sad day for World football.”
    Musician and Black Sabbath bass guitarist Geezer Butler tweeted: “Sad to hear of the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton, an absolute legend, probably the greatest ever English footballer, and a thoroughly nice man.
    “I was honoured to meet him when Man Utd played Aston Villa in 2010. RIP Sir Bobby.”
    A statement from Sir Bobby’s family on Saturday afternoon confirmed his passing.
    It 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.” 
    Former club United paid with an emotional statement ahead of tonight’s Premier League game at Sheffield United.
    It 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.
    Sir Bobby was a survivor of the 1958 Munich air disasterCredit: Hulton Archive – Getty
    Sir Bobby’s achievements will never be forgotten by England and Man Utd fansCredit: PA:Empics Sport
    “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.
    “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.”
    Sir Bobby, whose brother Jack died in 2020, made his name at United where he won three league titles, an FA Cup and the club’s first European cup.
    He helped lift the club from the ashes following the devastation of the Munich air disaster, which killed eight of his team-mates. Sir Bobby survived the crash.
    Along with George Best and Denis Law, he was part of the Busby Babes side that famously lifted the European Cup at Wembley in 1968, captaining the side to a 4-1 win over Benfica.
    He played 758 games in red, scoring 249 goals.
    Charlton served as a member of United’s board of directors and even had the South Stand of Old Trafford named after him.
    As an England star, he scored twice in the Three Lions’ 4-2 World Cup triumph over West Germany in 1966 and retired with 106 caps and 49 goals.
    After leaving United in 1973, Charlton moved to Preston for a year before taking his career on the road, playing in Ireland and Australia.
    Read More on The Sun
    Charlton was knighted in 1994 for his services to English football and remains one of our most influential players. More

  • in

    Who were Sir Bobby Charlton’s siblings, and how many did Man Utd legend have?

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Sir Bobby Charlton has passed away following a battle with dementia. Charlton died aged 86 and is survived by his wife Norma Ball and two children Andrea and Suzanne. 
    Brothers Jack and Bobby Charlton are considered some of the best footballing brothers in historyCredit: PA
    The United icon was one of the survivors of the 1958 Munich air crash and went on to become one of the club’s greatest-ever players. 
    In 1966, Charlton won England’s first and only World Cup alongside heroes Sir Bobby Moore, Martin Peters, and his brother Jack. 
    Charlton was also United’s all-time top goalscorer until Wayne Rooney broke the record in 2017. 
    Who are Bobby Charlton’s siblings? 
    Charlton had two brothers, Jack and Tommy. 

    Jack also won the World Cup in 1966 and played the entirety of his club career with Man Utd’s rivals Leeds. 
    After his playing career finished, Jack Charlton went on to manage Middlesbrough, Sheffield Wednesday and Newcastle. 
    And in 1986, Charlton went on to take the job is Republic of Ireland boss, where he stayed as manager for 10 years. 
    In July 2020, Jack Charlton died aged 85 after suffering from dementia and lymphoma. 
    Most read in Football
    He became the 12th member of the World Cup 1966 winning squad to die. 
    Bobby also has a 76-year-old brother called Tommy, who didn’t play football professionally. 
    But he did watch his two brothers win the World Cup in 1966 on TV as a 20-year-old, despite having a ticket for the final. 
    “I didn’t know where London was,” he told the Telegraph.
    “Bob did get me a ticket but I looked at it and said, ‘What the hell am I going to do with that? I don’t know how I’ll get there. I haven’t got any money’. 
    “The only people I could have asked for money were Bob and Jack and I wasn’t going to do that. That’s never been my way. I watched it at a friend’s house whose mum and dad knew nothing about football.” More

  • in

    Sir Bobby Charlton death updates: Man Utd and England fans in mourning as tributes pour in for 1966 icon

    TRIBUTES are pouring in after one of England and Manchester United’s greatest players Sir Bobby Charlton has died aged 86.The attacking midfielder, who scored two goals to fire the Three Lions to the World Cup final in 1966 was one of the miracle survivors of the Munich Air Disaster just eight years earlier.
    Many of his team-mates and friends died in that tragedy but Charlton survived to go on to win the European Cup in 1968 under Sir Matt Busby.
    George Best, Denis Law and Charlton were known as the Holy Trinity at United he won the Ballon d’Or in 1966.
    Stay up to date with all the tributes…
    Middlesbrough tribute
    Bobby Charlton was born in Ashington, not far from Middlebrough’s Riverside Stadium.
    The Boro paid a special tribute to the football legend on their scoreboard, as fans applauded.

    Infantino pays tribute
    On behalf of FIFA, and the global football family, I send my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Sir Bobby Charlton.
    “We mourn the loss of one of England’s 1966 FIFA World Cup winning team and a football legend, whose impact on the game spanned generations.
    “Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone who was close to him, his former teammates, The Football Association and Manchester United. Rest In Peace.”Gianni Infantino
    Most famous image
    As iconic as Bobby Moore’s image holding the Jules Rimet trophy is, Bobby Charlton is their alongside him.
    A true leader, he was inspirational for England in lifting the trophy in 1966.

    Gary Neville on Insta
    Gary Neville has poured his heart on Instagram about the death of Sir Bobby Charlton.
    Charlton died aged 86, following a long battle with dementia today.

    Simon Thomas choked
    Soccer Saturday’s Simon Thomas choked up as he announced the sad news of Sir Bobby Charlton’s death.
    The 1966 World Cup winner passed away aged 86 today after a battle with dementia.
    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.
    Cantona’s Instagram note
    Eric Cantona has paid tribute to Bobby Charlton on Instagram with a poignant message.
    Alongside a snap of the legend in Utd colours, Cantona wrote: “Rest in Peace dear Sir Bobby Charlton. One of the best of all-time.”

    Becks owes Charlton everything
    David Beckham revealed in the past how he owes Bobby Charlton everything.
    Becks told BBC Sport: “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.”
    Geoff Hurst’s reaction
    Fellow 1966 World Cup Geoff Hurst 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.”
    More tributes incoming
    Ex-Man Utd star 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.”
    Tributes pour in
    Following the sad news of Bobby Charlton’s passing, tributes poured in from across the world of football.
    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.”
    Family statement
    A statement from his family confirmed: “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.” Charlton family statement
    Utd hero
    Bobby was United’s all-time top scorer for over 40 years with 249 goals.
    That was eventually beaten by Wayne Rooney.
    However, his legacy at Old Trafford will never be forgotten.
    Three title wins and a European Cup sealed that forever.
    England legend
    Bobby Charlton was a hero for his country.
    His 49 goals in 106 games was an England record, until Wayne Rooney and then Harry Kane bettered it.
    However, one thing he has over those two is a World Cup winners’ medal.
    His three goals in the 1966 tournament propelled England to glory.
    Sir Bobby Charlton has died at the age of 86
    The sad news has reached football fans everywhere that Sir Bobby Charlton has passed away.
    The Manchester United star is arguably England’s greatest ever footballer and won the World Cup in 1966 alongside his brother Jack, Geoff Hurst and Bobby Moore.
    It was a miracle that Charlton ever kicked a football again after the Munich Air Disaster of 1958.
    Charlton, then just, 20 walked away with mild injuries compared to other team-mates including Duncan Edwards, who died a short time later.
    He went on to win the European Cup with Manchester United in 1968 and clinched the Ballon d’Or after England’s triumph in the World Cup.
    His love, as ever, was always Manchester United and his association with the club lasted until the day of his death.
    He was idolised by David Beckham and Wayne Rooney at Old Trafford, as well as Sir Alex Ferguson.
    A statue of Charlton, George Best and Denis Law stands outside the fabled Theatre of Dreams with the three embracing.
    The football world will be in mourning after Charlton’s sad death and everyone who has kicked a ball for United and England will salute one of the greatest ever to play the game. More

  • in

    Who is Sir Bobby Charlton’s wife Norma Ball and do they have children together?

    SIR BOBBY CHARLTON will forever be known as one of the greatest footballers to grace the pitch.The midfield maestro scored 249 goals in 758 games for Manchester United, alongside helping England to win the World Cup in 1966.
    Sir Bobby Charlton and his wife Norma were marriedCredit: PA
    But sadly, the footballing legend has tragically passed away at age 86.
    And not many will be hurt more than his long-term love Norma Ball.
    Who is Sir Bobby Charlton’s wife Norma Ball?
    Sir Bobby Charlton’s wife Norma opted to keep her lifestyle private.
    However, it was reported that in 1959, she met Bobby at an ice skating rink in Manchester.
    Read More on Bobby Charlton
    The lovebirds were together for two years before deciding to officially tie the knot.
    Norma enjoyed the highs of Bobby Charlton’s career such as winning the World Cup in 1966.
    But she has also been Bobby Charlton’s rock for the tragic times – most notably the horrific Munich Air Disaster in 1958.
    And in 2020, Norma bravely confirmed that Bobby had been suffering from dementia hoping that the diagnosis ‘could help others’.
    Most read in Football
    Do they have children together?
    Sir Bobby Charlton and his wife Norma have two daughters together – Suzanne and Andrea.
    Suzanne was a weather forecaster for the BBC during the 1960s. More