A year ago today, football lost one of its greatest-ever players – Manchester United and England icon, Sir Bobby Charlton.
Charlton sadly passed away on the 21st of October 2023, with the entirety of the world mourning the iconic player’s death.
He was one of the best Manchester United midfielders ever and an integral name in Red Devils’ history. As a survivor of the Munich air disaster, he became a symbol of the club’s rebirth, working alongside Sir Matt Busby to restore the club to its former glory.
Manchester United players paid their respects to Sir Bobby and he definitely got the send-off he deserved. Yet, his legacy lives on forever, as powerful statements from the footballing world show quite beautifully.
Best ever quotes about the legendary Sir Bobby Charlton
Sir Matt Busby
“There has never been a more popular footballer. He was as near perfection as man and player as it is possible to be.”
Wayne Rooney
“I have huge respect for what he went through. He experienced the Munich air disaster in 1958. Then he won the World Cup in 1966 and the European Cup in 1968,” Rooney said on Charlton.
“When I broke his United goalscoring record at Stoke in January 2017, he was there in the dressing room after the game. He congratulated me and then he said a few harsher words – but joking of course. He will be hugely missed.”
David Beckham
“That’s how my career started at United. I went to [the Bobby Charlton soccer school] at 10 years old and went back there the year after and ended up winning the competition.
“That was when Sir Bobby contacted Manchester United and said ‘Maybe you should have a look out for this young kid’.
“So I owe everything to Sir Bobby because, if not, maybe I wouldn’t have had the chance of living my dream of playing for the club that I’d supported for so many years and the club my Dad supported.
“He has always been about being successful, but even more so about helping other people. That’s what’s so special about him – he’s respected on the field, but even more so off the field.”
Patrice Evra
“We also always carried the weight of history on our shoulders, you know? When I shook hands with Sir Bobby Charlton, I got goosebumps as I was aware of his legacy and that of the Busby Babes,” Evra said about Charlton.
George Best
“What a pleasure to play alongside. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anybody who could beat players as easily as him, myself included.
“I often used my pace, but Bobby made it look effortless. And once he got within 30 yards of the goal, he was lethal with either foot.”
Sir Alex Ferguson
“I owe my life here to Bobby. He always believed in me and, apart from being the greatest legend at this club and the greatest player, it’s been a wonderful pleasure to know you.
“My time at Manchester United has been laced with all these great moments, but none more so than my friendship with Bobby, and what he’s done for me.
“The great attribute of Bobby – and it’s a great example to anybody who has been successful – is how he’s kept his feet on the ground and retained his humility all his life.”
Sir Geoff Hurst
“He was a naturally gifted player, and was two-footed as well, one of the most two-footed players you’ve ever seen. He could go either side, shoot with either foot.”
Gary Neville
“I think he is the greatest English football player of all time, winning the World Cup, the Ballon d’Or, the European Cup and the impact he’s had by winning all those trophies but also just his longevity at Manchester United,” Neville said about Sir Bobby.
“He played over 700 games, which is just unbelievable, over 100 games for England and if you think about his journey as a youth player it’s what I always think of; three consecutive Youth Cups at United.
“Sir Bobby Charlton is an icon, a legend, those words that get used, he is the genuine legend of Manchester United. He’s the only player to play for the club that’s had a stand named after him.”
Ryan Giggs
“I think he just epitomises Manchester United. He was one of the best players there’s ever been and he’s someone who is humble, approachable and who oozes class.
“He’s a great person to know and he’s someone who has inspired me and helped me throughout my career.”
Eusebio
“Charlton, as we all know, covered the whole pitch. Played on the left, on the right, in the middle. He never stopped running and he had a very powerful shot and scored a lot of great goals.
“I have many more good than bad memories from my career, but some of the bad memories come from when I crossed paths with Sir Bobby Charlton.
It was Bobby Charlton who spoiled my day in the World Cup semi-final of 1966 and later the European Cup final of ’68, but I’ve forgiven him and we are still good friends now. He’s a real English gentleman.”
Denis Law
“The game is never easy but it becomes easier when you’ve got players like that.
“Bobby had a bit of everything. He was a marvellous crosser of a ball and scored a tremendous amount of goals. He had a fantastic shot, it was so powerful.”
Lou Macari
“I played with him briefly toward the end of his United career, and he was just gobsmacking to witness.
“He was 35 when I got to Old Trafford, and he was as fit and enthusiastic as a 25-year-old. He’d done so much, but his desire never faded – his work rate kept him right at the top. He was still trying to improve.”
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