Bobby Charlton

[Big Vinny K]

That tribute programme on bbc last night about Bobby Charlton was really good.
Beckenbaur said he was the best player in the world in 1966.
The number of great goals he scored was crazy.

Not sure any British player has ever been the best player in the world other than him. Bellingham might change that in next couple of years

I met Sir Bobby once at Hopwood Hall College. They were my customer - he ran his footy school for kids at Hopwood Hall and he was there a lot. Such an unassuming, polite and modest person - don’t think he ever realised that everyone was in awe of him. He still seemed like a normal bloke who just loved football and counted himself lucky that he got to play the game for a living.

Can you imagine going to soccer camp in school holidays and Messi just rocking up and joining in !!!

[IanMcL]

I toured Western Anatolia area of Turkey in 1973. 50 years ago.

The minibus used to stop in villages for a rest and refresh. We would wander the street(s).

Without fail, you would have lots of offers to sit outside a local man's house snd have a cup of Chai. They all dat outside in a line.

These old guys had no English.

That didn't matter. It was the company and hospitality which was important to them. (Bit of kudos with the neighbours, too, maybe)

The conversation was invariably the same.

"English?"
Yes
'Aah. Bobby Charlton!' (Accompanied by animated gestures to show they thought he was the God of football)

That was all!

Can't get more famous that's that!