Man United lead tributes to 'beloved' Sir Bobby as 'hero to millions' passes away aged 86

Sir Bobby, who will be remembered as one of the greatest footballers in history, has passed away at the age of 86 on Saturday morning while surrounded by his family.

Lynchpin of England's 1966 World Cup triumph, Ballon d'Or winner and one of Manchester United's biggest icons - Charlton's death has been felt across the game.

And his former club has led the tributes to one of football's true gentlemen, and a man Sir Alex Ferguson's biographer described as 'the spiritual father of British football'.

"Manchester United are in mourning following the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton, one of the greatest and most beloved players in the history of our club," read a statement from the Old Trafford side.

"Sir Bobby was a hero to millions, not just in Manchester, or the United Kingdom, but wherever football is played around the world.

"He was admired as much for his sportsmanship and integrity as he was for his outstanding qualities as a footballer; Sir Bobby will always be remembered as a giant of the game."

A statement from Charlton's family reads: "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."

Known for a thunderbolt of a shot and hailed for his ability with both feet, his late brother Jack said Bobby was so good that many would question whether he was right or left-footed.

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He was the only English player chosen by Johan Cruyff to be part of his dream all-time XI, and has a stand named after him at Old Trafford, a statue outside the ground and a pitch at England's St George's Park training base in his name, too.

And many of the game's other greats took to social media to share their tributes.

Gary Lineker wrote: "Deeply saddened to hear that Sir Bobby Charlton has died. A truly wonderful footballer and genuinely lovely man. A World Cup winner, a Man United great and, for me, England's greatest ever player.

"He may no longer be with us but he'll have footballing immortality. RIP Sir Bobby."

Old Trafford legend Gary Neville wrote: "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."

More to follow...