Erik ten Hag and Pep Guardiola pay tribute to England and Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton, who has passed away at the age of 86.
Erik ten Hag and Pep Guardiola have paid tribute to England and Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton, who has passed away at the age of 86.
Charlton, widely regarded as one of Red Devils’ greatest-ever players, survived the 1958 Munich Air Disaster and went on to establish himself as an influential figure in England’s historic 1996 World Cup final triumph.
The 106-cap England international scored 49 goals for his country, while he found the net 249 times in 758 games during his legendary 17-year playing career with Man United, winning seven trophies including three league titles.
It was announced on Saturday afternoon in a statement from Charlton’s family that the 1966 Ballon d’Or winner, who was diagnosed with dementia in November 2020, peacefully passed away on Saturday morning.
Tributes have since poured in for the footballing icon, and Man United manager Ten Hag is one of latest names to pay tribute to a man he has described as an “outstanding person” and “an example for all of us”.
© Reuters
“Our thoughts are, of course, with his family and wife. Our thoughts are for them and the football world, but not only that, the whole world is losing a big personality, a legend, a giant,” Ten Hag told MUTV before Man United’s Premier League clash at Sheffield United.
“He was that on the pitch, but also off the pitch. I think he was an example for all of us. When you achieve such high-performance levels and you remain so humble, that’s a big example for all of us.
“At Manchester United, you always have to win, but I think he set this standard as a Man United player, what he achieved, he’s an example and I’m sure for all of us, it will be inspiration, not only to have a win, but also with his standards.”
In a separate interview for Sky Sports, Ten Hag said: “Very sad news. I never had the honour to meet him, but from what I’ve heard, what I read, what I see, he was an outstanding person, an outstanding gentleman, outstanding off the pitch and on the pitch.
“He is an example for everyone and I think not only the football world is losing a big person, but I think society and the whole world.”
© Reuters
Speaking to mancity.com, Manchester City manager Guardiola has said that Charlton “represented United and English football unlike anyone else”.
“When he retired, I was born so I saw the highlights. I am sorry to the Manchester United family, to his family and England,” Guardiola said after Man City’s 2-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion.
“These types of players and personalities represent English football like no-one else can do it.
“Condolences from us for his family especially. Next week when we go there (to Old Trafford), we will be present to make a tribute.
“I love this country for many things but one of the things is how they take care of the legends. They are part of the club and they travel.
“Sir Bobby Charlton represented United and English football unlike anyone else.”
Man United players wore black armbands and held a minute’s silence along with Sheffield United before their match at Bramall Lane on Saturday evening to pay tribute to Charlton.
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