Sammy McIlroy has described his former Manchester United teammate Sir Bobby Charlton as “one of the greatest of all-time”.
The death of Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton has been met with an array of tributes.
McIlroy, 69, is one of the latest to pay a warm tribute to Charlton, who was in the United team when he made his debut for the club in 1971. The Northern Irishman was 17-years-old at the time and he scored in a pulsating 3-3 draw against Man City.
Speaking to ITV, McIlroy revealed his emotions following the news.
“It’s been unbelievable,” McIlroy said. “I have been down at Old Trafford ever since the news and I am just looking around now seeing the souvenirs, the flowers, people’s sad faces.
“Everyone had a great word to say about Sir Bobby. He was a true gentleman.
“When I first signed for the club as a fifteen year old Bobby and Sir Matt came to see me. I was on the pitch ready to train. Sir Bobby came to me and said you’ve got an unbelievable opportunity here at one of the greatest clubs in the world. Make sure you give it a hundred per cent.
“He was a fantastic man. I have never ever heard a bad word about him. When he was on the training field he gave it a hundred per cent, when he played he gave it a hundred percent. He just glided by people and scored unbelievable goals. Right foot, left foot, just a world class player.
“I was absolutely star-struck when I first met him and for Bobby to come down and say this is a great opportunity for you, I was dumb struck. Those words stayed with me for a long, long time and even over the years when he became an ambassador at the club, record appearances at the club, record goal scorer up until recent years, what a player.
“To play with my hero from back home, George Best and to play with Sir Bobby was a dream come true. Sir Bobby was the captain that day when I made my debut.
“I will remember him as a true gentleman, as a world class player and a great person to be around as simple as that.”
Charlton passed away on Saturday hours before United’s 2-1 win over Sheffield United. A tribute was held ahead of kick-off, however, United have announced plans to commemorate the icon this week when they host Copenhagen and Man City.
Following Saturday’s victory, Harry Maguire dedicated the win to Charlton.
Another former player to pay tribute to Charlton was Brain Kidd, speaking to Andy Mitten for The National.
“Bobby’s modesty and humility for a world class player was incredible,” Kidd said.
“Bobby wasn’t vocal, he just let his football do the talking. A simple, ‘Hey, come on’, was enough to let me know that he wanted more. He led by example to young lads like me. He was emphatic yet so demanding. He challenges me because he wanted to help me. He set the standards for others to follow.”
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