Lineker leads tributes to Charlton as Man Utd and England legend dies at 86
Gary Lineker paid tribute to the "truly wonderful" Sir Bobby Charlton after the sad news of his death at the age of 86.
The England icon was confirmed to have died on Saturday. A statement from his family read: “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.”
Former England forward Lineker had some kind words following the news. Taking to Twitter, he said: "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. RIP Sir Bobby."
Man United icon Gary Neville followed suit. He said: "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."
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Charlton's former England colleague Sir Geoff Hurst also had some kind words. He said: "Very sad news today 1 of the true Greats Sir Bobby Charlton has passed away We will never forget him & nor will all of football A great colleague & friend he will be sorely missed by all of the country beyond sport alone Condolences to his family & friends from Geoff and Judith."
Peter Shilton was also among the former England stars to take to social media to pen some touching thoughts. He said: "RIP Sir Bobby Charlton I feel so sad to hear this such a prominent football icon I played with and against him early on in my career and often met him at England games in recent years he will be forever remembered in our football history."
The footballing world has been paying tribute to the great Sir Bobby Charlton (Getty Images)Send your tributes in honour of Sir Bobby Charlton using the comments below
John Terry also shared his sadness at the news of Charlton's passing. "RIP Sir Bobby Charlton Heartbreaking news. A True great and a wonderful man. My condolences are with the Charlton family at this terribly sad time. LEGEND," the former Chelsea captain wrote.
Fellow England captain Jamie Carragher paid a touching tribute. The former Liverpool star said: "Absolute gentleman whenever I met him. No doubt for me the greatest English player of all time. RIP Sir Bobby."
Charlton began his career with Man United and was famously one of the Busby Babes. He made over 750 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 249 goals - a previous club record - and winning three league titles and the European Cup.
Bobby Charlton is immortalised outside of Old Trafford (Getty Images)Man United will pay tribute to Charlton ahead of their match against Sheffield United with a minutes' silence. The players will also wear black armbands.
The club also penned an emotional statement ahead of Saturday's match, while a number of clubs throughout the English football pyramid also paid tribute.
Rio Ferdinand took to Twitter with a lengthy tribute of his own. The former defender said: "Icon, Legend, Great! these words are thrown around by all of us to many who 100% don’t deserve them, especially when you compare them to man of Sir Bobby’s calibre.
"What a true gentleman of not many words, but when he spoke you stood still, stopped what you were doing and listened. A lot of the history was living and breathing through him and he was a constant at the club while I was there - travelling with us all over the world.
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"Win, lose or draw he would be in the changing room wishing us well. The words he shared with me at the bottom of those stairs in Moscow, before I went up to lift the CL trophy will stay with me forever.
"What it meant to lift that trophy for Man Utd, what it meant for the fans, what it meant for us as a team and what it now meant for myself doing it as captain. It was a privilege for me to even get that moment with him at that specific time. Thank you Sir Bobby. Mr Manchester United."
Peter Schmeichel rounded off the tributes. The Danish great said: "Saddened to hear of the passing of one of the greatest players our sport has ever seen. A true Manchester United legend and an amazing person. Rest in peace, Sir Bobby."
Charlton - the winner of the 1966 Ballon d'Or - helped England to their only World Cup victory to date in the same year. In all, he earned 106 caps for the Three Lions and was their record goalscorer with 49 goals before seeing his record beaten by Wayne Rooney.
The latter's current employers Birmingham City were involved in a touching moment during their clash with Middlesbrough at the Riverside as news of Charlton's passing was announced.
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