To talk about Sir Bobby Charlton is not only to talk about one of Manchester United's most celebrated players, it is also to talk about a plane crash survivor who lived to tell the tale of that marvelous team that would've marked a true era in football history. After the tragic Munich crash, a young Bobby Charlton kept their memory alive by becoming Manchester United and England's most important player in the history if this sport.
After being a United legend for 60 years, the club made a well deserved homage to Bobby and inaugurated a stand with his name at Old Trafford stadium. During this Sunday's match against Everton, all United fans got together to celebrate this legend's life. A teary eyed Bobby walked to the center of the pitch among all the cheers from the crowd before the match between the Red Devils and the Toffies began. United won the game with an Anthony Martial solo goal and ended a truly great day for all United fans on a high note.
After the victory, Dutch manager Louis Van Gaal payed his respects to the celebrated man: "I said before the game we have to give a victory to Sir Bobby - he deserves it. He was very pleased in the dressing room! When you see the standing ovation for Sir Bobby... I had some tears in my eyes."
Sir Alex Ferguson had a heart felt discourse to say about Bobby on MUTV: "The great attribute of Bobby - and it's a great example to anybody who has been successful - is how he has kept his feet on the ground and retained his humility all his life. The other thing about Bobby, which might surprise people considering the career he had as a footballer, is how shy he is. He's a very shy person and he might not like a lot of fuss, but what a solid human being and a person you would trust with your life."
Sir Bobby Charlton will be remembered not only as one of England's greatest players ever, but also as one of football's most gifted players who can be named among other legendary players such as Pele, Eusebio, Franz Beckenbauer and late Johan Cruyff himself. All of those names, considered symbols in their respective countries.
Photo credit: Manchester United FC
The Sir Bobby Charlton Stand is unveiled at Old Trafford. #ThankYouSirBobby https://t.co/Qx2XaEuTut
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) 3 de abril de 2016