FIFA World Cup-winning defender and former manager of Ireland national team Jack Charlton is dead. He passed away on Friday after suffering from a long-term illness. He had been diagnosed with lymphoma and also had dementia. He was 85-year-old when he died.
A statement from his family issued on Saturday confirmed that the late football icon died on Friday, July 10, 2020, at his home in Northumberland, North East England in the presence of his family.
“As well as a friend to many, he was a much-adored husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather”, the statement said.
“We cannot express how proud we are of the extraordinary life he led and the pleasure he brought to so many people in different countries and from all walks of life.
“He was a thoroughly honest, kind, funny and genuine man who always had time for people.
“His loss will leave a huge hole in all our lives but we are thankful for a lifetime of happy memories.”
The legendary life of Jack Charlton:
Jack Charlton and his brother Bobby (Manchester United legend) were among the England glorious national team that won the 1966 FIFA World Cup at Wembley Stadium in England. He was one of the most popular members of the glorious team.
He spent all his professional football career at Leeds United. He played for the club for 23 years, making over 629 appearances and scored over 70 goals despite playing mostly as a defender.
While at the club, he won second division title, first division title, FA Cup, League Cup, Charity Shield Cup, Inter-Cities Fairs Cup and a series of promotions. He is among Leeds United greatest ever eleven as voted by the club’s supporters.
The football icon has managed a couple of Premier League and Championship clubs including Middlesbrough, Sheffield and Newcastle United before he took up Republic of Ireland national team job from 1986 to 1996.
While the manager of Republic of Ireland national team, Jack Charlton, took the country to their first-ever World Cup in 1990 and took them as far as the quarterfinals in the tournament.
Before he retired from coaching in January 1996, he qualified the country for the 1988 European championship and the 1994 World Cup. He was married to Pat Kemp and they had three children – John, Deborah, and Peter.
