Crowds Gather to Give Bobby Charlton a Heartfelt Farewell

Thousands gathered along the streets of Manchester to bid a final farewell to the legendary Bobby Charlton, the iconic figure of Manchester United and England football. The 86-year-old, who secured England's World Cup victory in 1966, passed away last month due to an accidental fall at his care home on October 21.

As the funeral cortege made its way from United's Old Trafford ground to Manchester Cathedral for a private funeral service, the crowds paid their respects by clapping warmly and displaying banners. The procession passed the renowned "United Trinity" statue, honoring Charlton, Denis Law, and George Best. Members of the club's Under-18 and Under-21 squads formed a guard of honor, while black-and-white photographs adorned the route, capturing Charlton's illustrious playing career and subsequent role as a director at the club.

The private funeral, commencing at 1400 GMT, saw approximately 1,000 guests, including former United manager Alex Ferguson, England manager Gareth Southgate, and Prince William, the Football Association president. Notable current and former players also attended.

Bryan Robson, former United captain, spoke of Charlton's exceptional character, highlighting his humility despite achieving great success. Alex Stepney, another former teammate, emphasized Charlton's dedication to Manchester United, both domestically and internationally, praising his humble and family-oriented nature.

The service, featuring a eulogy from former Manchester United chief executive David Gill, concluded with the chiming of bells as Charlton's coffin, adorned with white flowers, was carried out. Former England captain Gary Lineker reflected on the emotional and meaningful nature of the service, portraying Charlton as more than just a footballer, but a global symbol of the sport.

Charlton's legacy extends beyond the football field; he played a pivotal role in England's 1966 World Cup victory and was a key figure in Manchester United's historic 1968 European Cup win. In 1984, he returned to the club as a director and remained a significant presence until his later years. Charlton's battle with dementia, diagnosed in 2020, prevented him from attending matches at Old Trafford, but his impact endured.

Alex Ferguson, who led Manchester United to European glory, remembered Charlton as a "tower of strength" during his managerial tenure. In a heartfelt eulogy published in the matchday program, Ferguson highlighted Charlton's humility, emphasizing his focus on team and club achievements rather than personal glory.