Sir Bobby Charlton – Another Great Departs This Mortal Coil
Yesterday saw the sad passing of possibly the greatest English footballer of his generation, and arguably the best ever.
As far as being a true sportsman, he really was the best. A man that conducted himself with pure dignity throughout his sporting career and life.
The list of passing true greats from my youth, has steadily grown this year
As always when true greats pass on, there have already been many wonderful anecdotes and tributes paid to this true footballing legend, from the good and the great. The show of affection is as usual truly heartwarming.
For me I remember as a 9 year old, the goals he scored as England achieved what I assumed would be a regular feat, when they became World Cup Winners in 1966.
His status as a great, when the Jules Rimet Trophy was handed to Bobby Moore by HM The Queen, was then immortalised.
One minor regret for me, was when Alf Ramsey substituted the slightly ageing but still masterful great man to save him for the semi final of the Mexico World Cup, when England led West Germany 2-0.
But the ploy didn’t pay off and England lost. England sadly have never quite regained their world class status since then, despite many attempts.
He scored many wonderful goals including a record at the time of 49 for his country. He was a great footballer, finally winning 106 caps breaking the previously long standing record held by Billy Wright.
Through his career he established himself quite clearly as the consummate footballer, and won many domestic honours, and more importantly the European trophy he sought. Having overcome the tragedy of the Munich Air Disaster with great dignity, a clearly emotional Charlton was the first captain of an English side to proudly lift the European Cup.
Like many, if not all the great footballers, he was unable to make the transition into being a successful manager. He did however eventually become a director of Manchester United, the club he loved, and served so proudly
Quite rightly he was knighted, an honour he humbly accepted and upheld the title of most reverently.
What I do remember from an early age was that he was a sensitive man, and possibly the first sportsman that cried openly at joyous occasions. He demonstrated that life and sport is intrinsically entwined, and provide us all with great joy and emotion.
I am unsure that any modern footballer, other than the departing of the true world great, Pele, will ever be remembered or held in such great esteem as, Sir Bobby Charlton. An undisputed World Legend.
