Icons: Sir Bobby Charlton
Everyone at European Super Football was saddened yesterday by the passing of the legendary Sir Bobby Charlton.
This article will explore his fantastic career.
A brief summary
Sir Bobby spent most of his club career at Manchester United, scoring 249 goals. It was only in 2017 that Wayne Rooney beat him as United's most prolific goalscorer. In terms of trophies, he won the First Division on three occasions and the Fa Cup in 1963. His crowning glory came in 1968 when he scored twice in their European Cup Final win against Benfica.
His last game for United was against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on 28 April 1973. Before the game, the BBC cameras for Match of the Day captured the Chelsea chairman handing him a commemorative cigarette case. Coincidentally, this day also marked his brother Jackie's last appearance for Leeds.
The impact of Munich
After bursting onto the scene at Manchester United in the 1950s, tragedy struck. The Munich Air Crash of 1958 also had a profound impact on Bobby. Within a few weeks of the tragedy, Charlton was playing for United again and played a part in his side reaching the FA Cup Final. Over the following ten years, he would also help United rebuild, and they would go on to have the success mentioned above.
Post playing career
Bobby tried his hand at management and became the manager of Preston North End in 1973. His first full season ended in relegation and eventually left the club during the 1975/1976 season after a disagreement with the board. He then joined Wigan Athletic as a Director and briefly had a spell as caretaker manager.
Due to his football knowledge and because the Old Trafford hierarchy believed the club needed a big name on its board following Sir Matt Busby's resignation in 1984, he was invited to join the board of directors at Manchester United.
International career
Charlton was named in the England squad for four World Cups though he did not play in the first in 1958. He played a huge part in England's success in 1966, scoring several games throughout the tournament. He was the best player on the pitch when England played Portugal in the semi-final of that tournament. At the time of his retirement from the national team in 1970, he was the nation's most capped player, having turned out 106 times at the highest level; Bobby Moore overtook this in 1973.
Fan reaction
Terry has been watching United since the 1950s and he believes that Sir Bobby is the greatest ever United player. He told us: "Millions of people adored Sir Bobby, not just in Manchester, but everywhere football is played. His sportsmanship and integrity were admired as much as his outstanding qualities as a footballer; Sir Bobby will always be remembered as a giant of the game."
Liam added: Sir Bobby Charlton. English, European and world champion. That about sums it all up. He was also a true gentleman. A true great who will be remembered forever. Thank you Sir Bobby for all the wonderful memories.
Jamie is a West Ham fan who spoke with pride about his contribution to England in 1966. He told us: "On a black and white TV, I watched all of Bobby's World Cup goals live. He was my hero in the 60 and 70s. Many kids will have screamed his name in the schoolyard or against the garage door!"
🚨🚨| #mufc fans queue up outside Old Trafford to sign book of condolence for Sir Bobby Charlton ❤️ pic.twitter.com/pOPj253wdC
— centredevils. (@centredevils) October 22, 2023
