THERE were scores of tributes today from fans, former and current footballers, politicians and football coaches, including Sir Alex Ferguson, as the late Sir Bobby Charlton, an England and Manchester United legend, was laid to rest.
Sir Bobby Charlton passed away on October 21 at the age of 86, and is fondly remembered for his role in England’s only World Cup triumph in 1966 and Manchester United’s first European Cup success in 1968, 10 years after he survived a plane crash in Munich, Germany which killed some of his teammates.
A short and simple funeral service was held for Sir Bobby Charlton today at the Manchester Cathedral to say a final farewell to the iconic figure.
Opera singer Russell Watson was one of those that contributed while former Manchester United chief executive David Gill gave a reading and eulogy.
Sir Bobby’s wife, Lady Norma, his daughters Suzanne and Andrea were there at the cathedral.
His coffin arrived shortly after 2pm (3pm Nigerian time), in the quiet surroundings of Manchester Cathedral after passing through the city, including
Old Trafford where hundreds of fans applauded and shared their thoughts.
Sir Bobby’s brother Tommy Charlton paid his own moving tribute ahead of the service, telling BBC Breakfast he was the ‘best player he has ever seen’.
He said Sir Bobby was outstanding as a brother and a player.
“I wasn’t an intellectual but Bob was,” he said. “I would love talking to him because he talked common sense.”
Manchester United coaching legend Sir Alex Ferguson said he was extremely moved by the occasion, as he said goodbye to an old friend.
“It was a sombre occasion. The speakers were fantastic, especially his grandson,” he told the BBC.
“He was magnificent. It’s not easy to go up and speak.
“Bobby Charlton was a wonderful, humble man and I was at Manchester United because of Bobby Charlton.”
Former England and Manchester United captain Bryan Robson also paid tribute to Sir Bobby.
Robson said Bobby Charlton was the first to welcome him to the club when he signed for a record fee in 1981.
“I remember when I first joined the club, I was a record signing at the time and Sir Bob was the first one after I signed the contract to come and say it’s a great club, enjoy yourself here,” he said.
“It’s a sad day for the family, for Manchester United but also for football because he was a fantastic player.
“But he wasn’t just a great player, he was a great person, he had time for everyone and wanted to help everyone.”
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham was among those inside the private service, and he eulogised a great son of the city.
“People loved him,” Burnham told the BBC. “That is because of the way he was. The true greats combine the highest of ability with great humility and that was Bobby.
“Bobby had that humble approach, it made him approachable. Whenever I went around the world people would would want to talk about him. I think it is because he represented something right around the world, the ideal of what the English footballer could be.
“The footballer gentleman. He was a gentleman giant of this city, of the club of course but also of the country.”
“We are here today to celebrate the greatest English footballer of all time. That is what Bobby Charlton was. He was the best player this country have ever seen.”
Hundreds of fans who lined the route of the funeral procession and gathered outside Old Trafford also paid glowing tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton, who many referred to as their ‘favourite player’ ever.
