The sad passing of Manchester United and football legend Sir Bobby Charlton was announced this afternoon after his death in the early hours of Saturday morning, aged 86.
Widely acknowledged as one of the greatest footballers to ever play the game, he has left behind a legacy that will be forever remembered by fans around the world.
Celtic supporters are no different and Charlton actually had some strong links to the Bhoys, dating all the way back to his playing days. In fact, he even once played and scored for Celtic as a special guest star.
Bobby Charlton’s star turn for Celtic
Back in May 1974, as a 36-year-old Charlton was preparing for a return to playing as manager of Preston North End, he featured for the Bhoys in a testimonial match away to Liverpool at Anfield, honouring Ron Yeats.
Jock Stein was more than happy to help Charlton build his fitness and his selection actually proved effective.
As many as 10,000 travelling Celtic fans witnessed him pull on the famous green and white hoops to open the scoring with a trademark 18-yard drive, helping Stein’s side pick up an impressive 4-1 win against the Reds.
He also played against Celtic on multiple occasions and the Bhoys were chosen as the team for his Manchester United testimonial in 1972.
After featuring as a guest Celtic player, Charlton went on to play 38 times for Preston North End the following season, capping off an extraordinary career in England.
He won three league titles with Manchester United, an FA Cup and – a year after Celtic became the pioneering side in Northern Europe – a European Cup. Famously, he also won the 1966 World Cup with England.
Along the way came a cavalcade of individual honours, marking him out as one of the most iconic players, not just of his generation, but in the history of the game.
Our thoughts are with Bobby’s family and friends at such a sad time.
In other news, Celtic now have a chance to send out a big statement to Rangers and the rest.
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