Published on 14.11.2023
Manchester and the broader football community came together on Monday to bid a final farewell to Sir Bobby Charlton.
Fans gathered at Old Trafford and Manchester Cathedral for a public funeral service dedicated to remembering Charlton, who passed away at the age of 86 last month.
The ceremony was attended by both current and former Manchester United players, prominent figures in football, and even the Prince of Wales.
Football remembers Sir Bobby Charlton. The former Manchester United and England great's funeral procession made one final trip past Old Trafford, applauded by fans at the ground ❤️pic.twitter.com/jvuxlZykWm
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 13, 2023
While Charlton will forever be celebrated as arguably the greatest English footballer, winning the World Cup in 1966 and securing numerous titles with Manchester United, the eulogies presented at his funeral emphasized his prioritization of family.
His grandson, William Balderston, delivered the final tribute, reminiscing about Charlton’s creativity as a storyteller. He fondly recalled Charlton’s imaginative “jelly and custard” tales, crafted to captivate and entertain his younger relatives. Expressing a “depth of gratitude” to Charlton and his wife Norma, Balderston acknowledged them for exemplifying true devotion.
Following the service, former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson reflected on the somber occasion, praising the speakers, especially Charlton’s grandson, for their exceptional contributions. Ferguson acknowledged Bobby Charlton as a remarkable and humble man, emphasizing that he owes his presence at Manchester United to Charlton.
Former Manchester United chief executive David Gill, who delivered the first eulogy, characterized Charlton as a “legend, an icon, and a very dear and loyal, much-loved colleague and friend.” Gill highlighted Charlton’s impressive career statistics and noted his exemplary sportsmanship, highlighting that despite being a fierce competitor, Charlton received only two bookings and was never sent off. Gill concluded that Charlton’s name is synonymous with the positive aspects of English football.
