Sir Bobby Charlton, 83, a Manchester United and England legend, has been diagnosed with dementia, according to The Telegraph newspaper. The outlet said it is releasing the news with the consent of Charlton's wife, Norma, in the hope that knowledge of her diagnosis can help others.
The news comes two days after the death of Nobby Stiles, Sir Bobby Charlton's former teammate on the England team and at Unired. Jack Charlton, Sir Bobby's older brother, also a former English international and former coach (eg Ireland coach), passed away in July. Both Stiles and Jack Charlton also suffered from dementia.
Sir Bobby Charlton was a key member of the England team that won the World Cup at home in 1966 (the only World Cup won by the ‘pross’) and in that year won the Ballon d'Or.
A survivor of the 1958 Munich air tragedy in which eight of his United team-mates were killed, Charlton led the club to its first European Cup ten years later with two goals in the final against Benfica.
Sir Bobby Charlton, who was England and United's all-time leading scorer before Wayne Rooney surpassed his records, was appointed Sir by the Queen of England in 1994. The news of his illness is a major blow to the English. and for football lovers, of which he is a legend.