England hero Charlton hails 'magical' Robson

Sir Bobby Charlton believes football has lost someone who was "magical" following the death of Sir Bobby Robson. Former England, Ipswich and Newcastle manager Robson lost his battle against cancer on Friday at the age of 76. Charlton, an England teammate of Robson during their playing days, told BBC Radio Five Live: "I am very sad like everyone else in football. Bobby Robson was such a genuine person, he was so kind and generous.

"I can't say enough about him. Even in his last few years when he was so ill, to still consider other people rather than himself is just unbelievable. I will think of him as someone who was always gracious, always kind whenever I wanted to speak to him. And he has just been magical for the game itself. He was so in love with the game in any shape or form that he will be unbelievably missed." Robson made a huge impact as a manager but Charlton added that it should not be forgotten he was also a fine player with West Brom and Fulham as well as being an England international. He said: "He was a marvellous player, a great player, a really good link man, an intelligent passer and a goalscorer."

Tributes have continued to pour in for Robson around Great Britain and Newcastle's St James' Park will remain open next week for people to pay their respects. * PA Sport