The football icon passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning

Gary Lineker and Gary Neville have paid tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton after the Manchester United and England icon died at the age of 86.

The midfielder was one of the best players of his generation and was part of the Three Lions side that won the World Cup back in 1966.

Manchester United icon Sir Bobby Charlton has died at the age of 86

Lineker has now paid tribute to Charlton on social media, saying: “Deeply saddened to hear that Sir Bobby Charlton has died.

“A truly wonderful footballer and genuinely lovely man.

“A World Cup winner, @ManUtd great and, for me, England’s greatest ever player. He may no longer be with us but he’ll have footballing immortality.”

Former Red Devils star Gary Neville also said: “So sorry to hear the news of Sir Bobby Charlton. The greatest English football player and Manchester United’s greatest ambassador.

“A champion on and off the pitch and a Busby Babe that paved the way for all to come at United. Rest In Peace Sir Bobby.”

Manchester United released a statement confirming Charlton’s death on Saturday.

They said: “Manchester United are in mourning following the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton, one of the greatest and most beloved players in the history of our club.

“Sir Bobby was a hero to millions, not just in Manchester, or the United Kingdom, but wherever football is played around the world.

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“He was admired as much for his sportsmanship and integrity as he was for his outstanding qualities as a footballer; Sir Bobby will always be remembered as a giant of the game.

“A graduate of our youth Academy, Sir Bobby played 758 games and scored 249 goals during 17 years as a Manchester United player, winning the European Cup, three league titles and the FA Cup.

“For England, he won 106 caps and scored 49 goals for England, and won the 1966 World Cup.

“Following his retirement, he went on to serve the club with distinction as a director for 39 years.

“His unparalleled record of achievement, character and service will be forever etched in the history of Manchester United and English football; and his legacy will live on through the life-changing work of the Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation.

Charlton’s family also released a statement of their own.

“It is with great sadness that we share the news that Sir Bobby passed peacefully in the early hours of Saturday morning,” it read.

“He was surrounded by his family.

“His family would like to pass on their thanks to everyone who has contributed to his care and for the many people who have loved and supported him.

“We would request that the family’s privacy be respected at this time.”

Manchester United have paid a wreath at the Trinity Statue outside Old Trafford.

A book of condolence will also be open for fans to pay tribute to the club’s former midfielder.

Supporters will be able to write messages from 10am on Sunday.

Charlton made 758 appearances for Manchester United during his time as a footballer.

Only Ryan Giggs has featured for the club more, with the Welshman passing Charlton’s record back in 2008 as the Red Devils beat Chelsea in the Champions League final.

Sir Bobby Charlton played a key role as Manchester United won the European Cup in 1968

Charlton won three First Division titles while playing for the club.

He also secured three FA Cup winners medals and won the Charity Shield in 1965 and 1967.

Charlton, on top of winning the World Cup with England, helped the Three Lions finish third at the European Championship in 1968.

He won plenty of individual awards, too, including prestigious prizes such as the Ballon d’Or and Golden Ball.

Source: gbnews.com