Tributes pour in for Sir Bobby Charlton

The iconic World Cup, European Cup and Ballon d'Or winner has passed away at the age of 86 and our heartfelt sympathies are with his wife Lady Norma, his daughters and grandchildren, and all who loved him.

United players past and present, including those who spent time with Sir Bobby, were among those to offer their condolences. Read a selection of the tributes below, starting with David Beckham's paean for a man who played an integral role in his career...

David Beckham

“It all began with Sir Bobby. Sir Bobby was the reason I had the opportunity to play for Manchester United… I will be forever grateful to a man I was named after, someone I looked up to and was a hero to many around the world not just in Manchester and our country where he won the World Cup in 1966… A true gentleman, family man and truly a national hero… Today isn’t just a sad day for Manchester United & England, it’s a sad day for football and everything that Sir Bobby represented. Our thoughts go out to Lady Norma, their daughters and grandchildren. Rest in Peace Sir Bobby. Today our hearts are heavy.”

Steve Bruce

“Everywhere we went with Manchester United, the first person anyone would ask about is: how is Sir Bobby Charlton? Anywhere in the world. He was a great footballer and a great man and my thoughts and sympathies are with Lady Norma and of course his family too.”

Eric Cantona

“Rest in Peace dear Sir Bobby Charlton. One of the best of all time.”

Casemiro

“European Cup winner, World Cup winner, Ballon d'Or winner and one of the greatest Manchester United players of all time. Lifting the European Cup of 1968 with the Red Devils was an absolute milestone for the legendary history of our club. Rest In Peace, Sir Bobby Charlton.”

Rio Ferdinand

“The words he shared with me at the bottom of those stairs in Moscow, before I went up to lift the Champions League trophy will stay with me forever. What it meant to lift that trophy for Man Utd, what it meant for the fans, what it meant for us as a team and what it now meant for myself doing it as captain. It was a privilege for me to even get that moment with him at that specific time. Thank you Sir Bobby. Mr Manchester United RIP.”

Denis Law

“Another sad day… what can I say… Sir Bobby was an unbelievable player and a gentleman. Manchester United meant everything to him. We had many special and successful years together and he was a joy to play with… he knew where every player was on the pitch and for me that was a dream. I knew if Bobby had the ball it would find me and it did. What a striker of the ball he was. He could hit the ball so hard that I knew most keepers didn’t stand a chance. On the rare occasion they did manage to deflect it, it would drop nicely to me to finish it off. Along with George [Best], our partnership was sealed. The great part of playing with Bobby and George was that if one of us was having a bad day, the other two knew and that’s what made our relationship special. I am saddened by the news, like all football fans today.”

Gary Neville

“He used to come into the changing room after a match – win, lose or draw. Something when I was a player at the club you maybe would take for granted – this legend would be walking around your changing room saying 'well done' or offering his commiserations. He was the golden thread through from Sir Matt Busby to Sir Alex Ferguson, two golden eras in Man Utd's history and he was the constant through both of them.”

Peter Schmeichel

“Saddened to hear of the passing of one of the greatest players our sport has ever seen. A true Manchester United legend and an amazing person. Rest in peace, Sir Bobby.”

Raphael Varane

“My sincerest condolences go out to the family and friends of Sir Bobby Charlton today. We as players at this special club stand on the shoulders of giants every day, and Sir Bobby was the biggest of them all. His impact will live on for generations to come.”