Condolence Note

Sport Lisboa e Benfica expresses its deep sorrow at the death of Sir Bobby Charlton. This is news that saddens the world of football and particularly English football, of which Sir Bobby Charlton was one of the greatest figures.

It's also an opportunity to remember the friendship that has always united Sir Bobby Charlton and Eusébio, another of the greatest figures in the history of world football.

As well as being contemporaries on the pitch, Eusébio and Sir Bobby Charlton developed a friendship off the pitch that made them even more legendary.

In 1966, the World Cup that consecrated Sir Bobby Charlton as world champion and one of the most respected players of all time, was also the moment when Eusébio rose to truly immortal status, becoming the competition's top scorer.

Sir Bobby Charlton and Eusébio were successful representations of a healthy and historic relationship between peoples, but also of the permanent enhancement of the clubs they loved and symbolized.

To Manchester United and all its fans, Sport Lisboa e Benfica also sends its condolences for this invaluable loss.