Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton has paid tribute to Duncan Edwards, describing him as "the best player" he ever played with.
Considering Charlton's illustrious career at Old Trafford saw him share a dressing room with the likes of Denis Law and George Best, it is quite some accolade.
"He was the best," says Charlton.
"Duncan Edwards, I unhesitatingly say, was the best player I ever played with.
"If ever I was asked to put together a team of the players I had played with he's the first one I would put in. There is no question about that. You would say that's only my opinion, but I totally believe he was the best player I ever saw or am likely to see."
Charlton's tribute brings home the enormous loss borne by club and country when the Elizabethan class Airspeed Ambassador charter aircraft G-ALZU Lord Burghley, otherwise known as Flight 609, crashed into the perimeter fence of Munich airport on February 6, 1958.
Eight United footballers were among the 23 who perished following that fateful crash, including captain Roger Byrne, David Pegg and Tommy Taylor, all England internationals.
But it was 21-year-old Edwards who Charlton believes was destined to become the greatest footballer who ever lived and who might well have led England to World Cup triumph in 1958.
"I never thought I could be as good as him," says Charlton.
"Never. Never. I've said before he was the only person I felt intimidated by."
Edwards and Charlton shared not just a dressing room but also a friendship and it is with genuine enthusiasm that the latter speaks of his former team-mate.
"I knew him more than anyone else, I was closer to him than anyone else. He had an enthusiasm for the game. He never stopped talking about it. He'd pick you up if you were losing. He was absolutely sensational, fantastic.
"There is a picture of a youth team at Old Trafford and he (Edwards) is twice as big as anyone else in the picture.
"Physically, twice as big. Add to that, he had every talent. He was the best short passer. He was the best long passer. He had terrific vision. His 60-70 yard passes with a heavy ball were pinpoint accurate.
"He was a great loss to England and he would maybe, in fact I would say probably, have played in the 1966 World Cup final because he was young enough."
updated by benny
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