Sir Bobby Charlton, Manchester United and England legend, diagnosed with dementia

Manchester United and England legend Sir Bobby Charlton has been diagnosed with dementia.

The news follows the death of his older brother Jack in July and fellow England World Cup winner Nobby Stiles on Friday, both of whom had been diagnosed with dementia in later life.

Two other of the 1966 Three Lions heroes, Ray Wilson and Martin Peters, died in 2018 and 2019 respectively after living with dementia.

Studies on the links between dementia and soccer continue and the news will reinforce calls for more research on how the risks can be mitigated.

Widely regarded as one of England’s best players, the 83-year-old Charlton played every minute of the World Cup triumph on his home soil in 1966, eight years after surviving the Munich air disaster.

He would then win the Ballon d’Or that same year before inspiring Manchester United to the European Cup in 1968 with two goals in the final.

In all, Charlton sacked 249 goals in 758 games for United, a club record until he was surpassed by Wayne Rooney.

Charlton’s 49 strikes for England were also a record until Rooney surpassed that total.

His scoring feats were all the more impressive given that he rarely played as a forward forward, usually playing in an advanced midfield role.

Charlton had been a regular at Old Trafford with his wife Lady Norma until last season.

A statement from United on Sunday said: “Everyone at Manchester United is saddened that this terrible disease has affected Sir Bobby Charlton and we continue to offer our love and support to Sir Bobby and his family.”

In February, he traveled to Northern Ireland for the funeral of former Red Devils teammate Harry Gregg.

A film will be released later this month detailing Jack’s later years with dementia, in which his widow Pat says, “He’s not the same Jack, he’s dementia, and it’s a shame because he has good memories.”

Tommy Charlton, Bobby and Jack’s younger brother, said of Jack’s battle with the condition: “It’s hard not to think it was related to heading the ball.

“It was only in the last few years that it was most affected. I had four uncles who played soccer and suffered from dementia, and I’m sure that had something to do with it.

“But he wouldn’t have done it any other way. If you had told Jack not to head the ball, he still would have.”