'You laid the foundations for generations yet unborn'

Monday 23 October 2023 11:45

"You are the fabric of our football club, your legacy will always endure."

That is just one of the more than 28,000 heartfelt messages that have been submitted to our online book of condolence following Sir Bobby Charlton's passing.

This number continues to grow, as Manchester United fans all over the world pay tribute to a player and a man who achieved so much, yet remained so humble.

Erik ten Hag and the United first team, along with hundreds of supporters, have signed the physical book of condolence at Old Trafford, with flowers, scarves and other tributes continuing to be laid out at the foot of his statue outside our stadium.

As we continue to celebrate the life and career of Sir Bobby, read below a selection of the amazing, emotional, and poignant words our fans have dedicated to our legendary no.9...

How to pay your respects to Sir Bobby

 Article

Fans can leave tributes for the United legend both online and at Old Trafford.

Calvin Moreira: "Rest in peace Sir Bobby and thank you for your life long service to the club and everything you achieved for Manchester United. Your story is the story of the Man Utd, you are our greatest ambassador and player. God bless you and my condolences to all your family and friends."

Pam Wheal:
"I watched Bobby play during the 1960s and70s. He was not only a wonderful player but a true gentleman on and off the pitch.No wonder he is such a legend at our club and has been a great ambassador for us. He will be sadly missed. My sincerest sympathy to Lady Norma and the rest of the family."

Nick Dunn: "R.I.P. Sir Bobby. Gone, but never forgotten. Greatest English footballer of all time. It's been a long time for you, but you can now play with Busby and his Babes again for all eternity."
James Arnold: "The heart and soul of our great club. A true Icon in ever sense of the word. Thanks for giving my father such joy in 1966 and for all you did for Manchester United. The like that will never be seen again and never be forgotten. Mr Manchester United. RIP"

Andrew Thorley: "What a legend and the greatest in United and England's history. A huge loss but you will never ever be forgotten. What a team now up in heaven all the Busby Babes back together along with Bestie. Thanks for the memories Sir."

Kim Kingscott: "Deeply saddened  by the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton. One of the greatest United players to put on that famous jersey. A legend and a true gentleman. A  Busby Babe who carried the legacy of the  players lost at Munich to glory and beyond."
Mark Wheatley: "Rescued from the jaws of death, on that tragic night in Munich, you were given a second chance at life, and by God did you take it.  You picked this club up by the scruff of the neck and drove them to the very top. You were also instrumental in bringing the World Cup to England, a feat that hasn't been repeated since. You broke the mould for modern-day midfielders, hitting the sort of goal numbers that most strikers would be proud of. When you struck the ball it was a thing of beauty.  You were  a brilliant footballer, and a true gentleman, and we have been privileged to have you as a  statesman and champion of our club for most of your lifetime. You will never be forgotten. Sleep well and rest in peace."

David Bloor: "Sir Bobby, as you pass into folklore and legend, we give thanks for a life lived to the full. With fortitude and spirit to overcome adversity you were the epitome of integrity and honour, your legacy will endure forever. Love and condolences to your family.
RIP Sir Robert Charlton."

Eric Wolfenden: "We have lost a true legend and gentleman. Sir Bobby will be missed by millions of football fans throughout the world. He was a giant for United and England, whose memory will live on forever. My heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of a truly great man. It was a privilege watching you play for United, especially at Wembley in 1968 to lift the European Cup. You will be missed by all the United family, but my memories of you will be with me always."

Obituary: Sir Bobby Charlton

 Article

From the depths of Munich, Sir Bobby carved out one of the greatest careers in football history.

Rachel Dalton-Woods: "Even though I was never fortunate to watch you play for United, you represented everything that MUFC stands for. A creative, two-footed midfielder who could score the most amazing goals and stunning free kicks and who played the club for 17 years.  A survivor of the most horrific incident in world football to overcome such devasting loss to become a leader, winner, champion and all with style and firmly place what football should be about, in the 1960s. Thank you for all memories and being part of the foundations of this great football club and for inspiring many present and future generations.  RIP Sir Robert Charlton and raise glass with George, Denis and all those lost at Munich."

Paul McCabe: "The world is a sadder place for his loss, but it has certainly been enriched by his presence and love for the game, especially Manchester United. My condolences for his family. Sir Bobby has certainly left his mark in the world, probably much more than he knew. RiP Sir Bobby Charlton you will definitely be missed."

Philip Bennett: "Bobby Charlton, Manchester United, what more is there to say? The two went hand in hand."

Wayne Holehouse: "One of the main reasons I fell in love with football and in particular, Manchester United was because of Sir Bobby Charlton. An absolute genius of a football player. He epitomised hard work, leadership and possessed great humility.  Sir Bobby not only inspired many across the football pyramid but also communities around the world. Surviving the Munich Air Disaster in 1958 to go on and win the World Cup 8 years later with his country and lift the European Cup in 1968 for the first time with his beloved club. I thank you for the memories and for providing joy and hope for many that have followed you.
Forever a Red."

John Warrington: "Sir Bobby Charlton, you are the man I was so proud to name my son after. You will remain an inspiration to millions but now you are reunited with the Flowers of Manchester once again. Sleep well Sir Bobby. You will never be forgotten."

Paul Sedgwick: "Farewell to the best loved footballer of all time. You were a true leader, an inspiration both on and off the pitch.  The best and finest example of sportsmanship and integrity. You will be sadly missed."

A book of condolence is available to sign at Old Trafford from 10:00 to 22:00 BST on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. You can also lay floral tributes at Old Trafford, or write a message for our online book of condolence.

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