England 1966 World Cup hero Sir Bobby Charlton has dementia, FA says
Written by Rother Radio News on 01/11/2020
Sir Bobby Charlton, one of England’s greatest footballers, has been diagnosed with dementia.
The news was confirmed by the Football Association.
Earlier in the day, his wife Lady Norma Charlton told The Telegraph of her husband’s diagnosis, in a bid to raise awareness of the disease.
The 83-year-old star is best known for being part of the England team that won the 1966 World Cup final against West Germany.
The announcement of his dementia comes after the deaths of his former Manchester United teammate 78-year-old Nobby Stiles on Friday, and his brother Jack Charlton in July. Both were diagnosed with the disease in later life.
The trio were in the World Cup-winning team, alongside others including Ray Wilson and Martin Peters – they both had dementia. They died in 2018 and 2019 respectively.
A statement from Sir Bobby’s club read: “Everyone at Manchester United is saddened that this terrible disease has afflicted Sir Bobby Charlton and we continue to offer our love and support to Sir Bobby and his family.”
The Football Association also tweeted its best wishes.
Former England footballer Gary Lineker tweeted: “Yet another hero of our 1966 World Cup winning team has been diagnosed with dementia.
“Perhaps the greatest of them all @Sir Bobby. This is both sad and deeply concerning.”
The news will raise further questions about the link between football and the brain disease.
In October 2019, a study found former footballers are three-and-a-half times more likely to die from dementia than non-players in the same age range.
© Sky News 2020
