Source: Telegraph
Sir Bobby Robson dies aged 76
Robson, who was 76, was first diagnosed with cancer in the early 1990s and had since suffered with the disease at different times of his life. The latest cancerous nodules in his lungs were diagnosed as terminal in 2007.
Since then, he had spent his remaining time helping to fight the disease and, only last Sunday, he appeared at St James' Park for the Sir Bobby Robson Trophy match featuring players from the 1990 England and West Germany squads.
"It is with great sadness that it has been announced today that Sir Bobby Robson has lost his long and courageous battle with cancer," read a statement released by Robson's family this morning. "He died very peacefully this morning at his home in County Durham with his wife and family beside him.
"Sir Bobby's funeral will be private and for family members only. A thanksgiving service in celebration of Sir Bobby's life will be held at a later date for his many friends and colleagues.
"Lady Robson and the family would very much appreciate it if their privacy could be respected at this difficult time."
As a player Robson made 20 appearances for England, with his former clubs including Fulham, West Brom and Vancouver. Yet it was as a coach that he established a world-wide reputation during a career that spanned some four decades. He began in management at Fulham, before moving to Ipswich, where he achieved remarkable success over 13 years, guiding the club to the FA Cup and Uefa Cup.
He was then appointed England manager and came closer than anyone since Sir Alf Ramsey in 1966 to winning the World Cup, taking England to a semi-final in 1990 that they lost on penalties to West Germany.
After leaving England, he achieved further success with PSV Eindhoven, Sporting Lisbon, Porto, Barcelona and Newcastle, before working with Steve Staunton as international consultant for the Republic of Ireland.
Inter Milan coach, Jose Mourinho, who worked with Robson for five years at Sporting Lisbon, Porto and Barcelona said he had been unable to contact Robson in his final few months as he wanted to remember the man who had guided him through the early years of his career.
Speaking shortly after news of Robson's death was announced, the Portuguese coach said: "I hadn't spoken to him in the last two months because it was hard for me. It was me who found it hard because I didn't want to think that he was dying, that wasn't the image that I wanted to keep with me forever of Bobby Robson, that wasn't the voice I wanted to hear.
"I wanted to and I will keep with me always the Bobby Robson of every day, a person who had extraordinary passion for life and for football, with an extraordinary enthusiasm.
"Bobby Robson is one of those people who never die, not so much for what he did in his career, for one victory more or less, but for what he knew to give to those who had, like me, the good fortune to know him and walk by his side."
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson also paid tribute to a "great and wonderful" friend he said always had time for everyone.
"In my 23 years working in England there is not a person I would put an inch above Bobby Robson," he said. "I mourn the passing of a great friend; a wonderful individual; a tremendous football man and somebody with passion and knowledge of the game that was unsurpassed.
"I was never too big or proud to ask him for advice which he gave freely and unconditionally. And I'm sure I am speaking for a lot of people when I say that.
"The strength and courage he showed over the past couple of years when battling against his fifth bout of cancer was indescribable. Always a smile; always a friendly word with never a mention of his own problems. The world, not just the football world, will miss him. Let's hope it won't be long before another like him turns up because we could never get enough of them."
His enthusiasm and decency made him one of the most popular and best loved figures in modern football. He was awarded a knighthood in 2002 and made a freeman of the city of Newcastle in 2005. Only last Sunday, he was awarded the Emerald Uefa Order of Merit award for "individuals who have dedicated their talents to the good of the game."
One of the guests of honour at the game last Sunday was Paul Gascoigne, a star of England's run to the World Cup semi at Italia 90.
Gascoigne said: "Sir Bobby is a legend over the world. He was the one who gave me my first run-out for the England team. When I saw him it was quite heartbreaking to see him that way but he is battling away and keeping on top of it, which is great. He's battling cancer for the fifth time. It takes a man to beat it once."
Ray Wilkins, who played and captained under Sir Bobby for England, said he was "absolutely devastated".
"He was an absolute gentlemen," he said in an interview with Sky News.
"You don't come across people like Bobby very often.
"He lived his life with humility. He was a joy to be around."
Former England striker Gary Lineker, who played under Robson at the 1986 and 1990 World Cups, said: "I was deeply saddened to hear of Bobby Robson's death. He was a great football man.
"He had a tremendous enthusiasm and passion for football and life and continued to retain this right to the last days of his life.
"He will be deeply missed by everyone, especially those who played for him. I have the fondest memories of playing for him at two World Cups.
"In recent years he undertook a great deal of work for his cancer charity and raised the profile considerably in addition to the monies raised."
Clubs around the country have been paying tribute to Robson since the news broke.
Ipswich have opened a book of remembrance ahead of their pre-season friendly against Real Valladolid tonight (Fri), while message of condolences have come in from Everton, Barcelona and PSV Eindhoven.
Meanwhile floral tributes have been laid at St James' Park and Newcastle players and staff observed a one-minute's silence at their training ground this morning.
