Jack Charlton: 1966 England World Cup winner dies aged 85
Last updated on .From the section Football
Jack Charlton, a World Cup winner with England and former Republic of Ireland boss, has died aged 85.
The former Leeds defender had been diagnosed with lymphoma in the last year and also had dementia.
One of English football's most popular characters, he was in the team that won the World Cup at Wembley in 1966, alongside his brother Bobby.
He made a record number of appearances for Leeds and achieved unprecedented success with the Republic of Ireland.
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A family statement read: "Jack died peacefully on Friday, July 10 at the age of 85. He was at home in Northumberland, with his family by his side.
"As well as a friend to many, he was a much-adored husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
"We cannot express how proud we are of the extraordinary life he led and the pleasure he brought to so many people in different countries and from all walks of life.
"He was a thoroughly honest, kind, funny and genuine man who always had time for people.
"His loss will leave a huge hole in all our lives but we are thankful for a lifetime of happy memories."
The England football team tweeted to say they were "devastated" by the news, while he was hailed as a man who "changed Irish football forever" by the Football Association of Ireland.
"He was a great and lovable character and he will be greatly missed. The world of football and the world beyond football has lost one of the greats. RIP old friend," said England's 1966 World Cup final hat-trick hero Sir Geoff Hurst.
Charlton had spells in charge of Sheffield Wednesday, Middlesbrough and Newcastle.
He led the Republic of Ireland to their first major finals at Euro '88 and the World Cup quarter-finals at Italia 90.
Leeds United, where he spent his entire 21-year playing career and made a joint club record 773 appearances before retiring as a player in 1973, said they were "deeply saddened".
Charlton, part of the Leeds side that won the 1969 league title and the 1972 FA Cup, is the third club legend and former England international to die this year after Norman Hunter and Trevor Cherry.
Despite not being called into the England team until days before his 30th birthday, Charlton won 35 caps and, playing alongside younger brother Bobby, lifted the Jules Rimet Trophy at Wembley in 1966.
He also helped England finish third at the 1968 European Championship, and was voted the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year in 1967.
"Saddened to hear that Jack Charlton has passed away," wrote former England striker Gary Lineker on Twitter.
"World Cup winner with England, manager of probably the best ever Ireland side and a wonderfully infectious personality to boot. RIP Jack."
Former Republic of Ireland forward John Aldridge said: "Absolutely gutted that big Jack has passed away.
"What a football man, loved and adored, especially in Ireland. The best manager I was lucky to play for.
"The times we had on and off the pitch were priceless. My thoughts are with Pat and the family. RIP my good friend. Never forgotten."
He is survived by wife Pat, whom he married in 1958, and their three children, John, Deborah and Peter.
Charlton's granddaughter, journalist Emma Wilkinson, tweeted: "Beyond sad to have to say goodbye to my beloved Grandad, Jack Charlton.
"He enriched so many lives through football, friendship and family. He was a kind, funny and thoroughly genuine man and our family will miss him enormously."
Irish president Michael D Higgins said: "He leaves a legacy of outstanding leadership of a group of players of many diverse talents, which he moulded into the successful team that captured the imagination of the nation."
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Once scored a penalty against him in Butlins, I was 7, think he may have let it in.
Let him RIP.
England World Cup winner.
At the negatives on here who down vote positive comments about the Big Man. Please compare what you have achieved in life alongside this Giant of a Man. We shall not see his like again but what memories he left behind for fans of Leeds Utd, England and the Republic of Ireland.
Wor Jacky - R.I.P.
Great man, great player and a great manager.
Just have to say,To the people who are not interested and put unnecessary comments on here, just go away with your comments and get yourselves a life!
You genuinely have my sincerest condolences. I cannot imagine how hideous your existence must be. I hope you find the strength to make yourself matter.
Even better that the BBC are deleting negative comments - well you done
As for the negative comment writers - you really need to take a long hard look at yourself, sad, sad individuals
You really have to understand the keyboard warriors that you give an open forum to.
This is a sad story about the passing of one of the best known footballers of all time. You would THINK that people would either say their condolences or just read, but no. There are those that just have to show a nasty side even in someones death.
I only hope the Charlton family don't read this HYS.
League winner.
FA Cup winner.
League Cup winner.
Fairs (UEFA) Cup winner.
Footballer of the Year.
Manager of the Year.
Manager of World Cup Q/F Republic of Ireland.
Falling asleep at mass in Vatican, waking up suddenly, spotting the Pope giving his blessing, thinking he was waving at him so waving back.
Freedom of the city of Dublin.
Legend.
RIP big man.