21 October 2023 , 17:23
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In the last public photo of Sir Bobby Charlton, the 1966 World Cup winner bravely received his coronavirus vaccination.
Dressed in a white shirt and red jumper, in something of a nod to his beloved Manchester United, perhaps the club's greatest-ever player smiled as he received his vaccine in 2021, having already battled Covid-19. It came a year after his wife Norma announced that he was battling dementia - a disease which also afflicted his brother, Jack, before his death in 2020.
A host of tributes were paid to the 1966 World Cup winner following the announcement of his death on Saturday afternoon. A statement from Manchester United, announcing the news, declared: "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.
Sir Bobby Charlton receiving the Covid-19 vaccine (PA)"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 graduate of our youth Academy, Sir Bobby played 758 games and scored 249 goals during 17 years as a Manchester United player, winning the European Cup, three league titles and the FA Cup. For England, he won 106 caps and scored 49 goals for England, and won the 1966 World Cup.
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"Following his retirement, he went on to serve the club with distinction as a director for 39 years. His unparalleled record of achievement, character and service will be forever etched in the history of Manchester United and English football; and his legacy will live on through the life-changing work of the Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation.
"The club’s heartfelt sympathies are with his wife Lady Norma, his daughters and grandchildren, and all who loved him."
The club also laid a wreath at the foot of the club's Trinity Statue, featuring Charlton and ex-teammates George Best and Denis Law. It read: "In loving memory of Sir Bobby Charlton, a great player and even greater man.
"With deepest gratitude for your service, from everyone at Manchester United".
Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville said Charlton was the club’s “greatest ambassador”.
“So sorry to hear the news of Sir Bobby Charlton,” the broadcaster and former England right-back tweeted. “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.”
Sir Bobby Charlton celebrating a Premier League title triumph alongside Patrice Evra (Manchester United via Getty Images)
Sir Bobby posing with the European Cup in 2003 (Getty Images)Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand described Charlton as a “true gentleman”, while broadcaster and former England striker Gary Lineker described him as “England’s greatest ever player”.
World Cup winner Sir Geoff Hurst, who scored a hat-trick in the 1966 final for England, described Charlton as “a great colleague and friend”.
“Very sad news today, (one) of the true Greats Sir Bobby Charlton has passed away,” Sir Geoff tweeted. "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.”
Sir Bobby is survived by Lady Norma, their two children Suzanne and Andrea, and his grandchildren.
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