Bobby Charlton, legend of Manchester United and a key figure in England’s 1966 World Cup win died at the age of 86his family announced today in a press release.

“It is with great sadness that we share the news that Sir Bobby passed away peacefully in the early hours of Saturday morning“, it is stated in the letter sent to the media.

Charlton, He was diagnosed with dementia in 2020, and died “surrounded by his family,” his loved ones described.who expressed their “gratitude to all who contributed to his care and to so many people who loved and supported him.”

Bobby, as he was identified in the football world, he was the world champion in 1966 and In preparation with the English team for the World Cup in Mexico in 1970, he passed through Quito, where he played a friendly match with Ecuador on May 24 at the Atahualpa Olympic Stadium.

The world champions won 2-0with performances from Gordon Banks, Allan Ball, Geoffrey Hurts, Martin Peters and Charlton, as survivors of the final won four years earlier.

this saturday Manchester Unitedthe team in which he played for 17 seasons, declared himself “in mourning” for the death of “one of the greatest and most beloved players in the history of the club“.

“Sir Bobby was a hero to millions of people, not just in Manchester or the United Kingdom, but anywhere football is played in the world,” added the English club.

“He was also appreciated for his sportsmanship and honesty as for his extraordinary abilities as a football player; “Sir Bobby will always be remembered as a great of the game,” he added.

Charlton, Knighted of the British Empire in 1994 by Queen Elizabeth IIplayed 106 games for England and scored 49 international goals.

He also won three league titles and the European Cup with United. (D)