David Beckham pays emotional tribute to Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton

David Beckham has paid an emotional tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton, who died on Saturday, aged 86.

Charlton played 758 times for United before going on to become a director at the club for nearly 40 years. His family confirmed in a statement that the Reds legend and World Cup winner died in the morning, surrounded by his family.

The statement read: “It is with great sadness that we share the news that Sir Bobby passed peacefully in the early hours of Saturday morning. He was surrounded by his family. His family would like to pass on their thanks to everyone who has contributed to his care and for the many people who have loved and supported him. We would request that the family’s privacy be respected at this time.”

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Having become a director in 1984, Charlton was in the role when United signed a 14-year-old Beckham in 1991. The midfielder was first spotted a few years before, having starred at the Bobby Charlton Soccer & Sports Academy.

Beckham posted a picture of himself as a young boy with Charlton, writing: "It all began with Sir Bobby [heart emoji]. Sir Bobby was the reason I had the opportunity to play for Manchester United…

"I will be forever grateful to a man I was named after, someone I looked up to and was a hero to many around the world not just in Manchester and our country where he won the World Cup in 1966… A true gentleman, family man and truly a national hero…

"Today isn’t just a sad day for Manchester United & England it’s a sad day for football and everything that Sir Bobby represented.. Our thoughts go out to Lady Norma, there [sic] daughters and grandchildren x Rest in Peace Sir Bobby x