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The last surviving member of the Munich Air Disaster breathed his last. Dragged out of the wreckage by teammate Harry Gregg, the then 20-year-old was the first survivor to leave the Rechts der Isar Hospital. Remembering that fateful day when he escaped the jaws of death, Charlton wrote in his book, “I thought ‘Why me?'” and “I was so lucky.”

Sir Bobby Charlton passed away on October 21, 2023, at the age of 86. He remained intent on winning the European Cup for his fallen teammates, succeeding 10 years later after a rebuild at Old Trafford. The late great’s legacy extended beyond soccer, dazzling the hearts of athletes from different sports. Among them, American tennis veteran Martina Navratilova took to X to honor him.

Martina Navratilova paid a heartfelt tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton after his untimely demise

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The tennis legend quickly communicated her profound regard and distress at his death with her followers. With few words, she managed to capture the essence of a soccer player’s enduring legacy. In response to Manchester United‘s post on X, the 59-time Grand Slam champion communicated her pain via X, considering Sir Bobby Charlton a “champion of champions.”

After becoming the first soccer player to win a World Cup, Ballon d’Or, and European Cup, he left Old Trafford in 1973. As a red, he had set the club’s goal-scoring record that Wayne Rooney broke in 2017.

Sir Bobby Charlton remained in soccer before returning home in 1984 to become a member of the Board of Directors. Manchester United fans knew him as a regular presence at home games, but he even remained a champion away from the pitch.

In 2004, Sir Bobby Charlton donated the equivalent cash value of a golf tournament’s hole-in-one prize (Mercedes A Class car) to Manchester’s The Christie. Seven years later, he founded the Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation. The primary aim at the start was to develop technologies for better detection of landmines and the explosive remnants of war and to improve surgical techniques for those who had suffered explosive blast injuries and limb loss. (per MU Foundation).

via Reuters

Martina Navratilova’s words echo the sentiments of several athletes who acknowledge the profound impact of the soccer legend. Besides the tennis veteran, even soccer superstar David Beckham expressed his views on Sir Bobby.

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David Beckham’s emotional tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton

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Sir Bobby Charlton, born in Ashington, United Kingdom in 1937, made immense contributions to English and world soccer. Engaged in various charitable and sports development programs, he was a tremendous asset both on and off the field. David Beckham, deeply affected by the news, shared his thoughts on Charlton’s legacy. The former Manchester United winger couldn’t adequately express his gratitude for the soccer great.

David Beckham extended his condolences to Sir Bobby’s entire family, including his wife, daughters, and grandchildren, concluding with a heartfelt “Rest in Peace, Sir Bobby.” Following his successful playing career, Charlton transitioned to coaching and established a youth program that included a young David Beckham.

Beckham had the opportunity to meet the late World Cup-winning superstar at the age of ten and became a part of his Bobby Charlton Soccer School. This experience set the stage for Beckham’s remarkable soccer career.

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Sir Bobby Charlton’s legacy in soccer and his contributions beyond the field will resonate for generations to come.

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