FILE: FOOTBALL/SOCCER: PROFILE: Former Manchester United and England star Bobby Charlton turns 70

Former Manchester United and England star Bobby Charlton is 70 on October 11. Born on October 11, 1937, Bobby Charlton is one of the all-time greats of world soccer. Renowned for his fierce long-range shooting, the midfielder's name is linked around the globe with Manchester United and English soccer. In a glittering career he survived the 1958 Munich air crash to win three League championships and an FA Cup with Manchester United. He is still a director with the club. Along with his brother Jack, Bobby Charlton was in England's World Cup winning team in 1966 when they beat Germany 4-2 in the final at Wembley. He is still his country's leading goalscorer with 49 goals from 106 appearances and has scored more goals, 239, and made more appearances, 754, for Manchester United than any other player. Charlton was voted European footballer of the year in 1966 and crowned his career in 1968 when he led Manchester United to victory in the European Cup Final, scoring two goals in their 4-1 win over Benfica. It was the first time an English club had won the trophy. The Charlton brothers both retired from international football following England's 3-2 defeat to Germany in the quarter finals of the 1970 World Cup. Bobby Charlton left Manchester United in 1973 and briefly became player-manager with Preston. But he left after a poor first season. In 1994, Charlton became "Sir Bobby" when he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth and he continues to act as an ambassador for British sport, helping to promote London's successful bid for the 2012 Olympics. Despite being in the same star-studded Manchester United team as George Best and Denis Law, Charlton has always said that the best footballer he ever played with was midfielder Duncan Edwards, one of eight United team members who died in the Munich air crash. Known during his career for his sportsmanship, Charlton is planning a quiet birthday celebration with his his wife Norma and family. They have two daughters, Andrea and Suzanne.

ITN Source | October 10, 2007

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