Denis Irwin’s touching tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton hits all the right notes

"It's a sad time for Manchester United."

Former Manchester United star Denis Irwin has hit all of the right notes with his touching tribute to the late Sir Bobby Charlton, who sadly passed away last week. Irwin played for Man United under Sir Alex Ferguson and had a hugely successful career with saw him represent the Republic of Ireland at the World Cup as well. Anyone who has worn the United jersey would know all about the great Bobby Charlton, what he achieved in his playing days and how he was still so heavily involved with the club, right until his passing. Charlton of course helped England win the World Cup back in 1966 and went on to become the club's all-time top goal scorer before that record was broken by a certain Wayne Rooney. Speaking to the Man United media team, Irwin was able to find the right words to describe this legendary figure, and his characteristics that really made him so iconic.

"It's a sad time for Manchester United. I just hear stories about what a fantastic player he was. From my own point of view when I was here, he was in the dressing room win or lose after a game. "He used to train with us in Europe. The most humble man you could ever meet. Loved Manchester United. He would never listen to somebody having a bad word to say about Manchester United. A true legend of the game and it will be a sad loss.

"He was one of the Busby Babes. He survived Munich, eight years later he won the World Cup with England, two years later than that he won the European Cup with Manchester United. "A legend of a player and he came back as a director, an ambassador for years and years and will be sadly missed, not just by the football community at Manchester United, but the football community around the world. "If you travelled anywhere in the world, Bobby Charlton were the first words when you spoke to somebody so it's a real sad loss." Related links:

• Man United release touching statement following the death of Sir Bobby Charlton
• Paul McGrath on the Jack Charlton documentary moment that 'broke my heart'
• Alex Ferguson's reaction to horror tackle on Denis Irwin is crazy 90s football at its best