GEOFF Hurst led tributes after England's greatest and best-loved footballer Sir Bobby Charlton died aged 86 yesterday.
Sir Bobby, the midfield heartbeat of England's 1966 World Cup winning side, was renowned as a hero on the pitch and a gent off it.
Last night, Sir Geoff, 81 - now the last living member of the team - spoke for many when he said: "We will never forget him and nor will all of football.
"One of the true greats... he will be sorely missed by all of the country beyond sport alone."
Match of the Day's Gary Lineker who scored one goal fewer than Sir Bobby for England called him "England's greatest-ever player", adding: "He may no longer be with us but he'll have footballing immortality."
Sir Bobby's club Manchester United called him "a giant of the game" and "one of the greatest and most beloved players in the history of our club".
David Beckham, a product of the Bobby Charlton Soccer Schools, said: "Sir Bobby was the reason I had the opportunity to play for Manchester United.
The former England captain, handed the middle name Robert in honour of Sir Bobby, added: "I will be forever grateful to a man I was named after, someone I looked up to and was a hero to many around the world... a true gentleman, family man and truly a national hero..."
Ex-United teammate Gary Neville added: "A champion on and off the pitch and a Busby Babe that paved the way for all to come at United.
And Wayne Rooney, the only man who has scored more goals than Sir Bobby for the Red Devils, described Sir Bobby as a legend, adding: "Sad day for football, sad day obviously for his family.
Sir Bobby's family said the legend, who is survived by his wife of 62 years Norma, passed peacefully in the early hours of Saturday morning surrounded by his family. They expressed their thanks to everyone who has contributed to his care and for the many people who have loved and supported him.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der October 22, 2023-Ausgabe von The Sunday Mirror.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der October 22, 2023-Ausgabe von The Sunday Mirror.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
DEAR JIM... ALL IO NEED IS A STRIKER, MIDFIELDER AND DEFENDER!
Ten Hag: I'll deliver top FOUR... if I get my top THREE
Opioid stronger than heroin sold on Telegram app
'Hundreds will die from drug'
RAPIST RUNS PARTY BUS FOR WOMEN
Jailbird's firm take's girls on boozy nights out clubbing
Back plan to end Gaza bloodshed
PM, President & hostage families in ceasefire calls
Canoe conman stepson to be a pólice officer
John Darwin's wife proudly boasts as her lad graduates
Vardy goes to war on Wagatha trademark VISIT
Businesswoman bids to use the 'Christie' case name to flog togs
I wasn't always such a Rebell
Bridesmaids star used self-help quides to gain friends at school
AIR THWART
Chaos at Heathrow as staff walk out over rotas
I taught Sunak but I'd never vote for him
RISHI SUNAK last night got a roasting from his old teacher - who is going to vote Labour.
I'm glad it's all come out... that I was telling the truth
STORMY Daniels last night broke her silence on Donald Trump and demanded: Lock him up.