Aston Villa announced their return to the European stage with a 4-1 victory over AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands, marking their first trip back since winning the European Cup in 1982. Manchester City manager, Josep Guardiola, signed the book of condolences for Sir Bobby Charlton, while former teammate Alex Stepney shared memories of Charlton's modesty and European Cup win. Hunter Davies, a journalist, described Charlton as a calm and unflashy gentleman player who was an example and inspiration to football fans and human beings in general. Davies also highlighted Charlton's recovery from an air crash and return to the first team.
“He was my hero, admired by all for how he recovered from the air crash and returned to the first team.” Hunter Davies on the day he met Bobby Charlton. https://t.co/Wsme28HKeH
“Farewell, Bobby. You were an example and inspiration to football fans everywhere, and human beings in general.” Hunter Davies on Bobby Charlton. https://t.co/lg4RHmoAt0
“Wearing a flat cap and ancient raincoat he was calm, quiet, unflashy – a gentleman player.” Hunter Davies on the day he met Bobby Charlton. https://t.co/fUUO7ffRYi
Memories of Bobby Charlton's modesty and European Cup win, courtesy of his former teammate Alex Stepney: https://t.co/PZX2mnhBYB
Josep Guardiola signs the book of condolences for Sir Bobby Charlton. https://t.co/pvv3019hhj
"On their first trip back to the Netherlands since their European Cup win in 1982 Aston Villa announced themselves on the European stage again" AZ Alkmaar 1 Aston Villa 4 |✍️@CharDuncker https://t.co/ZYaQZnoZa5 https://t.co/ZYaQZnoZa5