Sir Bobby Charlton dies LATEST: The world reacts to the death of the World Cup winner and former Man United star at the age of 86

In 1978, five years after he retired from Manchester United, Bobby Charlton made a solitary appearance for Bangor City – and scored.

That was back in the days of the Anglo-Italian cup. He always loved showing his skills on the international stage, but this wasn’t quite the World Cup final.

Charlton never lost his passion for the game at all levels, and it’s hard to imagine modern stars turning up for a club such as Bangor after they hang up their boots nowadays.

Gary Neville told Sky Sports that Bobby Charlton was ‘Manchester United’s greatest representative around the world and has been for 50, 60 years.

‘He was one of the original Busby Babes who was part of that tragic Munich air crash and survived it and lost a lot of his team-mates and colleagues in that but came through.

Neville added that while a director in the modern era, ‘he used to come into the changing room after every single match, win, lose, or draw. ‘

Charlton managed Preston North End after leaving Manchester United and also turned out at Deepdale as a player-manager.

Preston says they are ‘deeply saddened’ to learn of the news.

Even though Charlton had ‘retired’ as a player in 1973, he was the player-manager for Preston in 1974-75, scoring ten goals for the club.

Liverpool have offered their condolences to Sir Bobby Charlton’s family and friends and recognised the former Ballon d’Or winner as a ‘true footballing great’.

England return to action next month, and they have announced they will honour Charlton then.

In a statement on X, they wrote: ‘Rest in peace, Sir Bobby Charlton – one of our nation’s all-time greats.

‘A full tribute to Sir Bobby will be paid at Wembley Stadium when England play Malta on Friday 17 November.’

Charlton was born in Ashington, Northumberland, just 15 miles north of Newcastle.

The Magpies recognised this in their tribute, writing on X: ‘An Ashington lad.

‘We are deeply saddened to learn of the news of the passing of a true legend of the game in Sir Bobby Charlton.

‘Everybody at Newcastle United sends our deepest condolences to Sir Bobby’s family, friends and everyone at Manchester United.’

All rivalries are set aside during times like these and Arsenal have paid tribute to Charlton while also offering their support to Man United, who Charlton thrived for throughout his career.

Their statement read: ‘We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton. Our thoughts are with Sir Bobby’s family, friends and everyone connected with Manchester United at this time.

The Premier League have released a statement following Charlton’s passing.

The statement read: ‘The Premier League is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton, one of the greatest players in English football history.  

‘Our thoughts and sincere condolences go to Sir Bobby’s family and friends, and to all at Manchester United.’

Charlton’s passing leaves Sir Geoff Hurst as the only surviving member of the triumphant 1966 World Cup squad.

Hurst famously scored a hat-trick in the final as England overcame West Germany 4-2 after extra time at Wembley.

Gary Lineker finished just one goal short of Charlton’s tally of 49 for his country, but is in no doubt as to who was the better player.

Reacting to Charlton’s death on X, he posted: ‘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.’

England have paid a touching tribute to their World Cup winner with an emotional post on X.

The Three Lions wrote: ‘It is with a heavy heart that we have learned of the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton. An integral part of our 1966 FIFA World Cup winning campaign, Sir Bobby won 106 caps and scored 49 times for the #ThreeLions.

‘A true legend of our game. We will never forget you, Sir Bobby.’

United legend Gary Neville has paid tribute to the iconic Charlton following the news of his passing.

Taking to X, he 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.’

Charlton certainly earned the respect of his peers and the generations thathave followed in his footsteps.

From Franz Beckenbauer to Sir Alex Ferguson, legends of the game have paid tribute to him over the years.

Charlton will always be a Man United legend and the club have paid tribute to him this afternoon.

Posting on X, their statement simply read: ‘Sir Bobby Charlton CBE, 1937-2023. Words will never be enough.’

Charlton had an outstanding career at club and international level.

Mail Sport has looked back at some of the iconic images from a career that saw him win the biggest trophies the sport has to offer.

Charlton is widely recognised as one of England’s greatest ever footballers.

Mail Sport’s Jeff Powell has written an obituary for the popular former United and England midfielder following his passing.

Good afternoon. We bring you the sad news that England World Cup winner Sir Bobby Charlton has passed away at the age of 86.

We will be bring you all the reaction to Charlton’s death during the course of the afternoon.