George Best’s brother Ian: Sir Bobby Charlton was ‘dignified and a complete gentleman’

Both Best and Charlton played in the same United side for a period and while there were question marks over the pair’s sometimes frosty relationship, the Northern Irishman’s younger brother Ian (57) paid what he described as “heartfelt and poignant” thoughts on Sir Bobby.

“In unison with the footballing world I am deeply saddened to hear the news of Sir Bobby Charlton’s passing,” he told the Belfast Telegraph.

“Both Denis Law and Bobby Charlton came to see and comfort my brother George during his final dying days in hospital.

“Sir Bobby was a dignified, humble and complete gentleman and I will never forget that act of human thoughtfulness, friendliness and kindness.

“On behalf of the Best family we offer our deepest condolences to Sir Bobby’s entire family, friends and loved ones.”

Ian visiting his brother’s grave at Roselawn Cemetery

He added a quote from the German writer Jean Paul: “Man’s feelings are always purest and most glowing in the hour of meeting and of farewell.”

Following the announcement of his death on Saturday, the sister of Best and her husband described having lost a “friend” in Sir Bobby.

Norman McNarry, who is married to Barbara McNarry (nee Best), said: “All I can say is that Barbara and I have lost a friend in Sir Bobby Charlton,”

“He was a very good friend who stuck by us through thick and thin.”

Norman said while Sir Bobby’s death is a shock, it is not a surprise.

“We were over at Old Trafford a couple of weeks ago to commemorate the 60th anniversary of George’s first game with Man Utd and Bobby wasn’t there — we assumed it was because of his health.”

Norman disputed reports of a feud between George and Bobby who are said to have fallen out in the 1970s.

In a media interview in 1988, George was asked about the rift by a reporter who pointed out that Bobby had only said “nice things” about his former teammate.

“I think if you watch any old film clips and shots of the game, you know, if he scored I was the first there to congratulate him and voice praise,” Best said. Norman added: “Bobby specifically came over to the hospital to visit George when he was ill.”

“To me that is considered the action of a friend.”

Sir Bobby Charlton was among the dozens of sporting figures — which included Denis Law, former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson — who attended George’s funeral at Stormont on December 3, 2005.

Meanwhile, a book of condolence was opened at Old Trafford at 10am on Sunday in the International Suite and supporters laid flowers and scarves and left messages.

Charlton was a key member of England’s victorious 1966 World Cup team and also enjoyed great success at club level with United, who became the first English club to win the European Cup in 1968.

His former team-mate Denis Law said on manutd.com: “Another sad day. What can I say. Sir Bobby was an unbelievable player and a gentleman. Manchester United meant everything to him.”