At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea and Arsenal faced each other but the memory of Bobby Charlton, a Manchester United legend who died at the age of 86, put aside the colors and rivalries and became a minute of respectful applause full of admiration for a rival and by a 1966 world champion with England. Meanwhile, outside Old Trafford, despite United playing in Sheffield, fans came and left flowers and messages in front of the statue that honors the Holy Trinity of the great United: Best, Law and Charlton. A follower tied a scarf to the figure of his great captain.
Pep Guardiola, Manchester City coach, was caught by the news in the press room after beating Brighton. The Catalan coach sent his condolences to the other Manchester club. “I love this country for many things but one of them is the way it takes care of the legends of each club. “Sir Bobby Charlton represents Manchester United and English football like no other,” Guardiola explained.
Liverpool, another of his great opponents when he was active, also said goodbye to Charlton, “a true football great whose legacy will endure.”
The FA, the English football federation, described him as one of the greats in the history of football. Charlton is still the team's third top scorer, only surpassed first by Rooney and then by Kane. The federation announced a great tribute at Wembley to coincide with the England-Malta match to be played on November 17. Coach Gareth Southgate was full of praise: "The impact of Sir Bobby Charlton, one of our most iconic players, on our only World Cup triumph is there for all to see," he reflected.
David Beckham posted a photo on Instagram as a child with Bobby Charlton. “It all started with Sir Bobby. It was the reason I had the opportunity to play for Manchester United,” he recalled, with admiration. “He was a hero to many around the world, a true gentleman and a national hero. “Today is not just a sad day for Manchester United and England, it is a sad day for football.”
UEFA also had a special memory for Charlton. “On behalf of the entire European football community, we are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton, one of the true greats of football,” he said. "Rest in peace".
FC Barcelona held a minute of silence for the loss during its delegates' assembly. In a publication on social networks, the Blaugrana club wanted to convey its condolences to the family and friends of Sir Bobby Charlton.
For its part, Real Madrid, in its statement, recalled that Charlton won the Ballon d'Or in 1966, the same year they became world champions. “Real Madrid, its president and its Board of Directors deeply regret the death of Bobby Charlton, legend of Manchester United, English football and world football,” the white club wrote.
