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Sir Bobby Charlton has passed away at the age of 86 – with Gary Lineker leading the tributes on social media.
Charlton was a Manchester United legend, and he broke into a side that was dubbed as the 'Busby Babes'. At just 18-years-old, Charlton survived the Munich Air Disaster, when teammate Harry Gregg rescued him from the plane.
The midfielder helped rebuild United after the tragedy, going onto win the League, FA Cup, and the European Cup. However, his most famous achievement came in 1966, when he was part of England's World Cup success.
READ MORE: Sir Bobby Charlton's family hit by more tragedy two years on from Jack's sad death
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Gary Lineker led the tributes: "Deeply saddened to hear that Sir Bobby Charlton has died. A truly wonderful footballer and genuinely lovely man. A World Cup winner, @ManUtd great and, for me, England’s greatest ever player. He may no longer be with us but he’ll have footballing immortality."
"He was truly a wonderful player and a shining light for Manchester United," Martin Keown added on Final Score. While Gary Neville tweeted: "So sorry to hear the news of Sir Bobby Charlton.
"The Greatest English Football player and Manchester United’s greatest ambassador. A champion on and off the pitch and a Busby Babe that paved the way for all to come at United. Rest In Peace Sir Bobby."
"The Premier League is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton, one of the greatest players in English football history," the Premier League added.
Charlton's family said: "It is with great sadness that we share the news that Sir Bobby passed peacefully in the early hours of Saturday morning. He was surrounded by his family.
"His family would like to pass on their thanks to everyone who has contributed to his care and for the many people who have loved and supported him. We would request that the family’s privacy be respected at this time."
Charlton spent almost two decades at United, and after making his debut in 1956, he left in 1973. He had left to take charge of Preston North End, where he was a player-manager.
He moved to Ireland to play for Waterford before finishing career down under in the late 1970s. Charlton was a figure of fascination at United, and he was regularly spotted at Old Trafford after he walked away from the game.
Although born in the North East, Charlton was awarded the freedom of the city of Manchester, and after receiving the award he said: "I'm just so proud, it's fantastic. It's a great city. I have always been very proud of it."
Sir Geoff Hurst is now the final survivor of the 1966 World Cup winners – 58 years after their crowning glory. United will pay tribute to the legend ahead of their clash with Sheffield United on Saturday evening.
- Premier League
- Manchester United FC
- England Football Team
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