Manchester United Fans Mourn the Passing of Sir Bobby Charlton
Manchester United has recently lost one of its greatest ever sons, Sir Bobby Charlton. On October 21, 2023 a club announcement revealed that the United legend had passed away peacefully in the early hours of the morning.
Sadly, several years ago the Charlton family revealed that Sir Bobby had been diagnosed with dementia. Out of respect for the Manchester United legend, his deterioration in recent years was kept from the public as much as possible.
Sir Bobby was reportedly receiving respite care at a The Willows in Knutsford, a nursing home, for dementia. While under their care, it is reported that he was subject to bouts of orthostatic hypotension (severe dizziness when standing or sitting up) and required round the clock physical assistance.
The Unfortunate End for a True Legend
On one such occasion, he became so dizzy that he fell hitting his head and back on a radiator and window sill on the way down. Upon initial examination, the nursing staff saw nothing more than superficial bumps and bruises. However, later that day, the staff examined him again and noticed significant swelling around his ribs.
Paramedics were immediately called. After their initial examination he was quickly taken to a hospital. X-rays and a CT scan determined that the Manchester United legend had suffered multiple fractured ribs, which also damaged his lungs.
His age, injuries, and preexisting health concerns put him at high risk for pneumonia. Which sadly set in within 36 hours of him being admitted. The care team overseeing his treatment applied every measure available. But pneumonia for anyone over the age of 65 is fatal more often the not.
Sadly, like so many others, there was nothing that could be done to save the England legend. In true Sir Bobby Charlton style he fought for five days before passing away in his sleep in the early hours of the morning. A genuinely tragic and humbling end to a remarkable and inspiring story.
Sir Bobby is the One and Only GOAT
However, his passing, like that of anyone who has touched our lives, is an opportunity to reflect and appreciate the impact those we have lost have had on us.
My dad and grandad were both at the 1966 World Cup final and the 1968 European Cup final. And all three of us were at the 1999 FA Cup final. So, you can imagine what it was like when I tell you that family dinners almost exclusively consisted of stories about Sir Bobby, the Busby Babes and the class of ’92.
When I was about eight, at one such dinner, I had the cheek to interrupt my dad and grandad and ask ‘what’s so great about Charlton anyway, its not like he’s Cantona or Keane?’ Oh how naïve I was.
It took what felt like an eternity for them to stop staring at me. My grandad’s eyes locked on to me with that look of part rage, part contempt. They then turned to my dad, as if to say what the hell are you teaching this kid?
After they came to, they proceeded to keep me at the dinner table for the next four hours lecturing me on all of Sir Bobby’s accolades and records. The next day they even made me watch his highlight reels, and the full 1968 European Cup final.
I am a Believer
Sufficive to say, I became a believer. Over the years my personal list of the top three greatest players of all time has remained fluid, save one name. Sir Bobby Charlton.
But, does he deserve the crown of GOAT as my dad and grandad would have me believe?
In the pantheon of legendary Red Devils, other than the cherished lives lost during the 1958 Munich disaster, no single person has been a better servant and representative of Manchester United than him. And other than the heroics shown by Geoff Hurst and Gordan Banks, no England player better encapsulates the search for England glory than him.
Even Sir Alex Ferguson called him the greatest Red Devil in history. His near 60 years of service to the club will likely never be surpassed. And his life is a tale riddled with adventure, drama and glory that every football fan should know.
In his memory, the following is the story of Sir Bobby Charlton.
Sir Bobby Charlton, A Football Dynasty
Robert Charlton was born in Ashington, Northumberland England on October, 11 1937. His father was a coal miner and his mother was a homemaker. He was the middle child of three with an older brother, Jack and younger brother, Tom. Despite his modest origins, football was an immediate part of Robert’s heritage and life from a young age.
On his mothers side, he had four uncles that were professional footballers. Despite having first become a coal miner, his older brother Jack also played professional football for Leeds and would go on to play with Bobby for England at the 1966 World Cup. And one of his cousins was none other than the legendary Newcastle and England forward Jackie Milburn.
However, despite such a sporting lineage, Sir Bobby always credited his love for football to his grandfather and mother. His mothers father was none other than Tanner Milburn, the renowned goalkeeper for Ashington. Where as Just after Charlton passed his brother Tom described their mother, Cissie, by saying “If our mother was 18 now, she would be captain of the England women’s football team.“
Football was life for generations of Charlton’s family. And the three brothers became the embodiment of that.
Sir Bobby Carlton, Humble Beginnings
The Charlton boys lived a humble early life. Like many kids they would sell bottles they found in alleyways and trash cans to raise money to go to matches. And they would spend most of their free time playing football in the park. But it wasn’t long before Bobby, began to stand out.
As a developing adolescent, the young Robert Charlton played for East Northumberland schoolboys while attending primary school. But, on February, 9 1953 everything changed for the young Englishman. On that day he was spotted by Manchester United’s chief scout, Joe Armstrong. He was immediately recruited to Old Trafford and was quickly promoted to the England schoolboys team.
At the time, football was not a secure nor a lucrative career. Recognizing this, like any good mom, Cissie insisted that he maintained an electrical engineering apprenticeship while playing football. However, by 1954 her efforts fell on deaf ears as Sir Bobby signed his first professional contract with Manchester United.
With in two years he made is senior debut at the age of 18 against Charlton Athletic.
At the time, he was also fulfilling his national service with the Royal Army Ordinance Corps. An antiquated form of post World War II compulsory military service. It was during his time in the army that he grew close with teammate Duncan Edwards who was also serving.
The Start of Something Beautiful
The two would eventually develop into Manchester United’s first great bromance and the two greatest prospects of the era.
As an aside, Duncan Edwards was probably the only player in Manchester United history that had a shout at being a greater legend than Sir Bobby. Had he not passed away from injuries sustained in the ’58 Munich crash, he could have easily gone on to claim GOAT status in his own right. But we will leave his story for another day.
Charlton immediately become a regular under Sir Matt Busby, and a starring member of the Busby Babes. In his first season he played 30 matches, tallying 16 goals and 10 assists. His rookie season stands as one of the best records from an 18 year old in football history. And he did it all while serving in the Royal Army and fulfilling a professional apprenticeship.
But nothing was going to keep Sir Bobby from football greatness.
Sir Matt Busby was well on his way to creating a youthful United squad that could compete with the greatest in Europe. Roger Bryne, Harry Gregg, Bill Foulkes, Duncan Edwards, Tommy Taylor, Dennis Viollet, and Billy Whelan where all considered some of the greatest players of the age. And at their heart was a young Robert Charlton.
The Flowers of Manchester
But disaster struck for both Manchester United and Sir Bobby on February, 6 1958.
Most United fans will know very well the story of the 1958 Munich Air Disaster. In that crash Manchester United lost eight players, two coaches, and the great Walter Crickmer (another great story for another day). Not to mention the 12 other civilians, match officials and journalists that also lost their lives. Charlton himself almost died as his seat was violently flung from the plane during the crash.
Sir Bobby had recalled on a number occasions, as he regained consciousness, he awoke still strapped into his seat, next to teammate Dennis Viollet. The biting cold was nipping at his face and extremities. And to his amazement and relief United goalkeeper Harry Gregg was there trying to free them from the wreckage.
When Gregg found Charlton and Viollet he had taken them for dead. Yet he still dragged them both from the wreckage, likely saving both of their lives.
As another aside, If you are unfamiliar with the heroics of Harry Gregg please have a look at this previous post of mine. He is without a doubt the most courageous and dauntless footballer to ever live. No fewer than eight people on that flight owe their lives to Gregg, including Sir Matt Busby himself. His story is one of the greatest tales of courage you will ever read.
Sir Bobby Charlton Survives the Munich Air Disaster
At the time there was no internet, cell phones, or email. And hard lined phones were a personal luxury not readily available. After hearing of the crash over the radio the Charlton family had to wait in angst until the next morning to find out from a local news paper distributor that Sir Bobby had survived.
Fortunately, he escaped with only minor injuries and only spent about two weeks in hospital. At the 55th Anniversary of that fatal night he had the following to say at the remembrance ceremony;
“Sometimes it engulfs me with a terrible regret and sadness and guilt that I walked away and found so much. The Munich air crash is always there, always a factor that can never be discounted. Never put down like time-exhausted baggage...
“Manchester United at that time were going to be one of the greatest teams in Europe. The accident changed everything. The fact that the players are not here and are never going to be judged is sad. They’ll never grow old.”
Humble words from the most honorable of men.
The Rebirth of Sir Bobby Charlton
With in a month Sir Bobby Charlton was playing football again. He only missed eleven matches before returning to Old Trafford. Unfortunately, that wasn’t enough to save United’s title run or cup aspirations. They started the season as title favorites, but ultimately finished 9th with a threadbare team still in mourning.
It wasn’t until 1962 that his story of tragedy would begin to turn around.
That year Sir Bobby was given an opportunity to re-establish himself on the international stage when he was called up to the England squad for the World Cup. He went on to score two hattricks for England in the lead up to the tournament. But The squad were still feeling the loss of too many important players after the Munich crash. Ultimately England had at lackluster tournament.
Finally, in 1963 Sir Bobby Charlton and Manchester United would win their first trophy since the disaster, taking home the FA cup. Manchester United beat Leicester City 3-1. Charlton assisted the second goal through a deflected shot and had a half dozen other shots saved by the legendary Leicester City keeper Gordan Banks. The same Gordon Banks that went on to win the World Cup with Charlton.
Sir Bobby Charlton, the Road to Greatness
After the FA Cup victory Sir Bobby Charlton would evolve from tragic yet humble hero to world great. And he took both Manchester United and England with him.
By 1965, other than Bill Foulkes and Sir Matt Busby, Charlton was the last remanent at United from that fateful night in Munich. His perseverance, allegiance, incredible talent, leadership and love for football made him the focal point and captain of Sir Matt Busby’s United.
A new era of Manchester United had formed under the holy trinity.
From 1964 to 1969 Bobby Charlton, Dennis Law and George Best went on to solidify their stature as the greatest Manchester United players of all time. A part of this story that I will get to in a moment. But first…
Despite the trinities triumphs with Manchester United, I consider myself an unremitting Englishman. And as such the most diehard and patriotic of England fans. Meaning, to me, 1966 was the greatest year in football for Sir Bobby and England football. Far greater than any of the horde of trophies and personal accolades Sir Bobby won with United.
The 1966 World Cup
1966 was the year that Sir Bobby and his brother Jack would play an integral roll in leading England to their one and only World Cup trophy.
Brazil and Argentina were heavy favorites going into the tournament. West Germany were also expected to make a strong showing. While Portugal, led by Eusebio, were labeled as the dark horse of the tournament. England however, were ranked outsiders.
The three lions drew their opening group stage match against Uruguay after being over hyped by the British media. In the wake of such an abject performance the tabloids, embarrassed by their prediction of England dominance, were quick to call out the Charlton brothers for what was being dubbed as a diminutive performance.
Much to the contrary of the English press, England would go on to top their group. In the process becoming the first team to top their group with only four goals scored. Their saving grace was their ability to keep clean sheets in every group stage match.
El Robo del Siglo
In the quarterfinals Sir Bobby and England faced off against Argentina in a match that would come to be known as el robo del siglo in Argentina (meaning, the robbery of the century). According to most Argentinians and fellow Englishmen I have spoken with, this match was the beginning of the England and Argentina global rivalry.
Out of respect to a close friend of mine who is Argentinian, and probably knows more about football history than anyone I know, I feel the need to present both perspectives on this match.
The Argie side of the story, as I understand it, was that the Charlton brothers and Bobby Moore were instructed to essentially be the proverbial bash brothers against Argentina. England as a whole were accused of violence, cheating and coercing the referee. And the Charlton Brothers in particular were singled out for their aggressive approach to the match.
Most Argentinians and many non-English fans would say that England only won this match because of poor refereeing and disingenuous tactics. And based on modern standards, many England players would have not only been red carded but should have received lengthy bans for their brutality and excessive force.
Ruthless England
However, England at the time were ruthless and extremely physical. It is also important to note that, especially in England at that time, physicality was part in parcel of the game. Some, like myself believe that while contemporary standards might stigmatize such aggression, it was not outside of the norm for the time period. Nor was it outside of the laws of the game during that era.
England were performing well within the rules and regulations of the game. And they shouldn’t be retroactively judged or scrutinized by contemporary standards simply because those same rules and regulations have been modified to accommodate the modern game.
It should also be noted, that despite reports of said aggression, England didn’t register a single yellow card or red card in the match, while Argentina received three yellow cards in the match. And their captain Antonio Rattin was sent of in the 35′. In the end, the stats suggest that Argentina were the real aggressors.
When all was said and done, England ultimately won 1-0
However, the perceived injustice around this match as well as the political turmoil between Argentina and England at the time sparked one of the greatest sporting rivalries in history. One that still thrives today.
England vs Eusebio
In the semifinal England went on the face Portugal. The match attracted so many fans globally that it had to be moved from Goodison Park to Wembley to accommodate the astronomical demand for tickets.
Sir Bobby scored England’s only two goals in the match. Both from the top of the box, placed with his trademark precision from distance. If you are ever interested in a masterclass in shooing from outside of the box, forget about Paul Scholes, Michael Essien or Steven Gerrard, look up some of Charlton’s highlights.
The match turned into Eusebio vs England rather than a Portuguese team effort. In the end, Eusebio bagged a goal from the penalty spot, solidifying his golden boot for the tournament. But it wasn’t enough to take down a highly organized England squad.
The match finished 2-1.
At this point, Sir Bobby was the joint leading goal scorer of the tournament for England next to Geoff Hurst. Of England’s 11 goals at the World Cup, Charlton and Hurst both had four.
The 1966 World Cup Final
The final against West Germany was a quiet yet heroic performance from Charlton. Germany was led by a young Franz Beckenbauer. The imposing German was widely regarded as the best player of the age next to Johan Cruyff and Pele. Charlton was the only player for England good enough to go punch for punch with him.
Manager Alf Ramsey instructed Charlton to shut down Beckenbauer at all cost. For the entire match he played as a no6 rather than the traditional no10 he was accustomed to. He did such a good job that the commentators hardly said Beckenbauer the entire match.
Charlton’s performance was akin to Michael Carrick’s performance in the 2008 Champions League final. Quiet and indominable. A true masterclass in controlling the midfield, and singled handedly shutting down an opponent.
The 1966 World Cup final would prove to be one of the most exciting matches of the century ending in a controversial 4-2 win for England. Given that the focus of this post is Sir bobby Charlton and not England, I cant take the time to provide full commentary for this match. But, If you have the time to watch it, it is currently available on YouTube and well worth a watch for any football fan.
1966, the Greatest Year in Football for Sir Bobby
During the 1966 world cup, Sir Bobby Charlton effectively shut down Eusebio against Portugal and Beckenbauer against Germany. He also became both the tournament’s third leading and England’s second leading goal scorer. And he was also named in the team of the tournament.
While he was far from the one man show we have come to expect from players like Messi or Ronaldo, his performance during the ’66 World Cup is the reason England won. He was without a doubt the greatest player in the world at the time.
That year alone Sir Bobby won the World Cup, the Football League First Division (the former Premier League), the British Home Championship, The FA Charity Shield, The FWA Footballer of the Year award, the World Cup Golden Ball and the Ballon d’Or.
In the next three years Sir Bobby would go on to further solidify his claim for GOAT. In that time he won the FA Community Shield, the European Cup (the former Champions League), another British Home Championship, and two second place finishes in the Ballon d’Or. One of the second place finished was marginally behind another United legend, George Best.
The 1968 European Cup
In addition to his performances for England, most Manchester United fans point out Sir Bobby’s leadership and valor during the 1968 season. In particular his performance during the European Cup final.
On the tenth anniversary of the Munich disaster Manchester United found themselves in the European Cup final against Benfica. Another shot at European glory loomed for United and Charlton.
The first half was highly contentious and riddled with full-blooded challenges and penalty shouts. Despite all the action the first period ended goalless, leaving everything play for.
The second half started just as contentiously. But it wouldn’t take long for the breakthrough to occur. In the 53′ none other than Sir Bobby Charlton scored to give Untied the lead. For almost 20 minutes Manchester United fans had victory in sight thanks to Sir Bobby. But fate would strike in the 79′ minute when Benfica leveled.
Fergie Time
The 90′ minute had passed, the whistle had blown and the match was still tied 1-1.
But a rallying cry during the intermission before extra time from captain Charlton gave United the lift they needed. During extra time United would go on to score three more goals in less than 6 minutes to send the Portuguese packing. The final concluded 4-2 with Charlton bagging a brace.
This win marked the first European trophy won by Manchester United. For Bill Foulkes, Sir Matt Busby and Sir Bobby Charlton this proved to be one of the most emotional and affirming trophies any of them had ever won. For them, it was the perfect homage to their fallen brothers from the Munich crash.
Sir Bobby has said in several interviews that the veritable mix of sadness, pride, joy and exhaustion left him in a state of shock and elation. But above all, he claims this trophy to be his most prized, dedicating it to the teammates that perished, who would never be able to fulfill the same potential.
The Bogota Bracelet
In 1970, at the age of 32 Sir Bobby was again called up to the England Squad for his fourth World Cup. However, sadly, this would not only be Sir Bobby’s last world cup it would prove to be his most controversial.
In the lead up to the competition in Mexico, the England team flew out to Bogota, Columbia for a series of warm up matches against Columbia and Equator. During that period, England stayed at the Bogota Hotel, which was home to a local jewelry store in the lobby.
Several England players and staff were spotted shopping in the store for gifts for loved ones. Just before their opening warmup match against Columbia, Bobby Moore and Bobby Charlton visited the jeweler to look for a gift for Charlton’s wife Cissie. After perusing the display cases the two had decided they didn’t like anything they saw, so they exited the shop.
Moments later, while relaxing in the hotel foyer the shop assistant approached them and accused the two England legends of stealing a valuable bracelet from the shop. Despite their insistence they were innocent and willingness to be searched, police were called. The two men were questioned and ultimately released after clearing up both sides of the incident.
Bogota Bracelet Round Two
Both Bobby’s played against Columbia and Equator. Matches England won comfortably.
But that wasn’t the end of the story. This is the point that many England fans feel there was a conspiracy plotted against England, as they were the favorites to win the tournament.
Following their warm up matches. England were due to fly to Mexico for the World Cup, But their flight path took them back to Bogota for a four hour layover. While the players were in the hotel watching a movie during their layover plain clothed police arrived and detained both Moore and Charlton. After brief questioning Charlton was released.
However, a new witness had come forward and claimed that Moore was the man he saw take the bracelet. He was detained for several days and questioned repeatedly by the police.
Without diving into too much detail, both men were released and allowed to play at the World Cup after suggestions were raised that England’s tournament was being sabotaged. The charges were ultimately brought to trial, but inconsistent accounts from witnesses, as well refutable facts of the series of events led to insufficient evidence.
Both Bobby’s were able to play for England.
Sir Bobby Retires From Football
At the 1970 World Cup, England were favorites to win the tournament. Despite the legal issues in Bogota, the England camp were confident of winning a successive title. However, England’s golden generation were fading. And Charlton, despite his leadership, was past his prime.
In the quarter final against old foes West Germany, England led 2-1 in the second half. They looked primed to subdue the Germans yet again. Feeling comfortable they would win manager Alf Ramsey substituted Charlton to rest him for the next match. It was the third time in as many matches that Charlton had been taken off.
Germany went on to score two more goals, winning 3-2, dumping England out of the tournament. Since then, England have not made it past at quarter final in a World Cup.
During the long flight home, both Bobby and his brother Jack agreed that they were no longer at the level required to continue to lead the Three Lions. Before landing back in Manchester, the brothers had both notified Ramsey that they would be retiring from international duty.
Sir Bobby Charlton’s Career in a Nutshell.
Sir Bobby Charlton went on to play for another two trophyless seasons at Old Trafford before hanging up his boots in 1973.
Before he retired as a player, Sir Bobby played 758 matches scoring 249 goals for Manchester United. He also scored 49 goals in 106 appearances for England. All of which were records at the time.
It wasn’t until Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney that his club records were broken.
In his time with Manchester United, Sir bobby won three FA youth cups, three first division titles, one FA cup, two Charity Shields, one European Cup, ten British Home Championship Cups, one World Cup, a Ballon d’Or, and dozens of personal accolades. Making him one of the most decorated English footballers in history.
Charlton Following Retirement
From 1974 – 1983 Charlton would have relatively lackluster displays as manager and player/manager for Preston North End, Waterford United, Newcastle KB, Perth Azzurri and Blacktown City.
Ultimately, he lacked the impact he had on the field from the touchline. Despite his legend, not all those who do can teach and not all those that teach can do. Recognizing his strengths, Sir Bobby shifted focus from management to rolls as a sporting director and club ambassador.
Throughout the 1980’s Sir Bobby also established himself as an enrapture. He started his own travel agency, a jeweler, multiple charities, and a global soccer school focusing on bringing the sport to impoverished areas, which still exists.
In 1984, following the retirement of Sir Matt Busby from the Manchester United board, Sir Bobby was offered his place in an effort to maintain some degree of old guard and nostalgia. Since then he served Manchester United as a director and ambassador.
1986
November, 6 1986 might well be the third most important date in Manchester United’s storied history. After February, 6, 1958 and the day John Henry Davies bought Newton Heath in 1902.
That was the day that Sir Alex Ferguson joined Manchester United and began a dynasty of domination that the football and sporting world has never seen.
You might be asking yourself, what does that have to do with Sir Bobby Charlton?
On multiple occasions Sir Alex has said that the only reason he came to Manchester United was Bobby Charlton. Apparently not only did Sir Alex see Sir Bobby as a mentor and idol, but Sir Bobby was also in constant contact with Ferguson in the years leading up to him joining United.
For years, Sir Bobby had touted Alex Ferguson as the next great United manager. When Ron Atkinson was sacked, Sir Bobby saw his opportunity. Not only did he push the United board hard to pursue Ferguson, when Sir Alex initially turned down the opportunity because of the precarious state United was in at the time, it was a phone call from Sir Bobby that changed his mind.
Forget about his playing career for a moment. Without Sir Bobby there may have never been Sir Alex. Some would argue that by proxy that was his greatest achievement.
From One of Footballs Greatest Players to it’s Greatest Ambassador
Sir Alex’s story is only but one of a long list of players and managers that point out Sir Bobby Charlton as their idol or the reason they joined Manchester United. David Beckham has even said that his middle name, Robert came from his dad’s obsession with Bobby Charlton.
His inspiration transcended generations of football fans. England, Manchester United and the development of football across the world would not have been the same without his influence.
He became an integral leader in England’s bid to host the 1996, 2000, and 2012 Olympic games and the 2002 Commonwealth games. And he was a leader in England’s bid to host the 2006 World Cup.
His football school is available in dozens of nations across the globe. He has received awards in Britain, France, Brazil, Japan, India, and South Africa for his attempts to bring countries closer together through football. And he has been knighted by the Queen herself to the highest and oldest order of knighthood in the the commonwealth.
For both club and country he has remained a humble ambassador for almost 60 years. And even in death his inspiration still draws players, managers and fans alike.
Sir Bobby Charlton the Man
Sir Bobby was renowned for his humility. He was the type of man that didn’t always have something to say, but his persona and experience meant when he did speak, even Sir Alex Ferguson would sit down, shut up and listen.
Regularly throughout his career, Sir Bobby was engaged in countess philanthropic ventures. He started his own charity to fight cancer. His football school provides scholarships to kids from all over the world. And Sir Bobby, alongside Jimmy Murphy, essentially started the Manchester United Foundation.
He has also helped to fund multiple hospitals across Manchester and Britain. And he has served as an official ambassador for sport to the British government. His desire to help people seemed endless.
Family life
Over the decades Sir Bobby and his family have worked very hard to maintain their privacy. And as such, other than a few short anecdotal stories Sir Bobby shares in his documentary not much is known about his personal life.
We know that in 1961 Sir Bobby and his long time sweetheart Norma Ball married near Manchester. Throughout their relationship, Sir Bobby credits Lady Norma with his recovery from Munich, and his motivation to keep playing. Without her he may never have returned to football.
They had two daughters, Suzanne and Andrea and three grandchildren. All of which are regularly active in his charities as well as the Manchester United Foundation. In particular his grandson Will seems keen to carry on his philanthropic legacy. Will is constantly involved with the Manchester United Foundation.
At his memorial service Will gave a eulogy reveling mourners with stories of his grandfather. He shared personal moments that showed how much of a family man Sir Bobby was. All Charlton wanted to do was make his family smile and bring everyone together under one roof. Will described him as a man filled with a combination of warmth and child like reverence for life.
Family Falling Out
The only bit of drama in Sir Bobby’s life that is confirmed and public knowledge is a family feud that lasted almost a decade. Sir Bobby revealed back in 2007 in his documentary, that he and his older brother Jack had suffered an feud that lasted throughout the 1990’s.
As the the story goes, in the early 90’s Cissie, Jack and Bobby’s mother, had some less than flattering things to say about Lady Norma. And apparently she was not shy of sharing her opinion publicly.
As a result Sir Bobby and his mother stopped speaking. The truly tragic part of this story is that Cissie would sadly pass away before she and Bobby could reconcile. That fact upset his older brother Jack, who thought Sir Bobby was being spiteful and disrespectful.
Not much more is known about the feud other than by the early 2000’s the family would reconcile.
Rest in Peace
If you are interested in more insight into the man himself there are several anecdotal stories in various interviews with family members as well as documentaries and biographies. But by in large he was all about the football and his family.
His legacy will, stand as a testament to the type of man he really was. Sir Bobby Charlton was one of a few remnants of an old guard of not just football, but genuinely great men. Regardless of who your personal GOAT is, no single footballer has achieved so much in the face of such a tragedy as Sir Bobby.
In my book, only Pele, who struggled with endemic racism, accomplished more as a footballer than Sir Bobby. I know that many of you will throw out names like Maradona, Messi, Ronaldo, Cryuff, Rivaldo or any number of other players. But none of them found fame and trophies after surviving such a disaster. And none of them, other than Pele can rival Sir Bobby in his development of the sport world wide.
He will always remain the gold standard for footballers wishing to one day play for England and Manchester United. And to me he will forever be one of the greatest footballers and most inspirational men of all time.
There is only one Bobby Charlton!
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