“A sad day”: from Geoff Hurst, now the only survivor of England’s coronation at the 1966 World Cup, to Eric Cantona and David Beckham, other former Manchester United glories whom he inspired, the world of football mourns the death by Bobby Charlton, Saturday.
The English Federation (FA), which learned “with immense sadness of the death of the former captain of the national team”, announced on its social network X that a tribute would be paid to him at Wembley Stadium on November 17 during England’s match against Malta.
Geoff Hurst, former teammate of Charlton in the “Three Lions” and author of a hat-trick in the 1966 World Cup final won 4-2 after extra time against West Germany, on X: “Very sad news today… one of the greatest, Sir Bobby Charlton, died. We will never forget him and neither will football. A great partner and friend, he will be sorely missed by the whole country, beyond just sport.
Eric Cantona, former Manchester United idol in the 1990s, on X: “Rest in peace Sir Bobby Charlton. One of the greatest of all time.”
Ex-Manchester United star David Beckham, on Instagram where he posted a photo of himself as a child alongside Charlton: “It all started with Sir Bobby. It was thanks to Sir Bobby that I had the opportunity to play for Manchester United. I will forever be grateful to a man I admire and who was a hero to many around the world, not just in Manchester and in our country where he won the World Cup in 1966. A true gentleman, a father of family and a true national hero… Today is not just a sad day for Manchester United and England, it is a sad day for football and everything that Sir Bobby stood for.”
Fifa President Gianni Infantino on X: “Words will never be enough. We mourn the loss (…) of a football legend, whose impact on the game has spanned generations.
Gary Lineker, former striker for the England team, top scorer at the 1986 World Cup, speaking to the BBC for which he is a consultant: “He is, for me, the greatest English player of all time. He may no longer be with us, but he will remain immortal in the world of football. Rest in peace, Sir Bobby.”
Gareth Southgate, current England manager: “He was one of our most iconic players, Sir Bobby Charlton was instrumental in our only World Cup title. The privilege of meeting him on several occasions allowed me to understand his personal pride and emotion at having represented England and simply confirmed in my mind that he was a gentleman. The world of football will be united in its sadness at losing an undisputed legend.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on X: “Bobby Charlton holds a place in history among football’s greatest players and was immensely loved. Rest in peace, Sir Bobby.”
Former Manchester United international defender Rio Ferdinand on X: “Icon, Legend, Great! these words are dropped by all of us about many people who don’t deserve them, especially when compared to a man of Sir Bobby’s caliber. He was a real gentleman who didn’t talk much, but when he spoke you stopped what you were doing and listened to him. A lot of history lived and breathed through him and his presence was a constant at the club when I was there. Whether we win, lose or draw, he was there in the locker room to wish us good luck.”
