The Prince of Wales has led tributes to football legend, Sir Bobby Charlton, who has died at the age of 86.
In a statement, Prince William described Sir Bobby as a true great and a gentleman, adding he would be ‘’remembered forever’’.
And William’s emotional message ended simply ‘’thank you, Sir Bobby’’. It was signed ‘W’.
Sir Bobby Charlton died on the morning of October 21st 2023 with his family at his side.
The Prince of Wales joined a wave of tributes to the football star who was one of England’s World Cup winners in 1966.
Sir Bobby was one of the most successful football players of all time. He wont 106 caps for England and scored 49 goals for his country.
As well as winning the World Cup, he won the First Division with Manchester United three times and the FA Cup with the side once. He was part of the Manchester United team that won the European Cup in 1968.
He also won numerous awards for his footballing career, including the Ballon D’Or and the FWA Footballer of the Year.
In 2008, he was given the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award and the UEFA President’s Award.
However, he is also remembered for his work off the pitch. Among the thousands of tributes paid to him as his death was announced, many recalled his support for sport as well as his grace and dignity.
Sir Bobby was also among the survivors of the Munich air crash which killed 23 of the 44 people on board, including seven members of the Manchester United squad who were on board, making their way home after a European Cup match.
Sir Bobby always described himself as one of the lucky ones after that disaster.
Manchester United played a few hours after the death of Sir Bobby was announced with their team wearing black armbands. A wreath of red and white flowers was also laid by the club at the ‘Holy Trinity’ statue at Old Trafford which depicts Sir Bobby with George Best and Denis Law.
Prince William’s statement summed up one of England’s all time greatest sports stars with the words ‘’Sir Bobby Charlton. First Division Champion. European Champion. World Champion. Gentleman, Legend. A true great who will be remembered forever. Thank you, Sir Bobby. W’’