Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton was today recovering from surgery after being taken ill during the Laureus Sports Awards.
The 74-year-old World Cup-winner had been due to receive an award but left London after starting to feel unwell on Sunday and needed a minor operation, understood to be to remove a gallstone.
A statement from Laureus read: "Sir Bobby Charlton was unable to receive the Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award in person at the Laureus World Sports Awards in London this evening.
"Sir Bobby felt unwell on Sunday and returned to Manchester earlier today for minor surgery."
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson added: "Sir Bobby is fine, but it was felt he should go back to Manchester. He is very annoyed not to be here to receive this Award.
"I'll be taking the statuette back to Old Trafford for him.
"He loves the work he does for Laureus and I know how delighted he is to have received this tribute."
Ferguson added: "It was already a very emotional night for Bobby. This is the 54th anniversary of the Munich air disaster, when we lost eight of our young players. Through that time, Bobby has kept his fantastic humility, and that makes him very special to me.
"Manchester United is Bobby's life. He came to the club as a 15-year-old boy and he's been with us ever since - he is one of our ambassadors now. In my own 25 years at the club, Bobby has supported every step I've taken.
"At the beginning, they were very small steps. Later, they became big steps.
"But without his support, I don't know where I'd have been."
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Glad to hear it isn't too serious...Hope your back on your feet soon Sir Bobby
Best wishes Bobby, get well soon.
Speedy recovery Sir Bobby and best wishes from a blue.
Get well soon Sir Bobby.
All the best from a City fan
A living legend, get well soon
Get Well soon Sir Bobby and I'm very sorry you missed your big moment Sunday night.
Best Wishes SIr Bobby, get well soon, you're one of the "true professionals" in the modern game.
Get well SOOON Sir Bobby .... your footballs skills and dedication to MUFC have been part of my life ...
Thank you to the City supporters for their positive comments
a true legend and ambassador for England English football and the mob you played for get well soon sir bobby
from a born and bred blue.
Good luck to the old boy.
Get well soon Sir Bobby. You're one of the few reminders left of when football was truly "The Beautiful Game".
great bloke all the best
Bubbieee Shaaaarrrrrrlton.........as they would say abroad......get well soon Bobby - my one and only footballing hero.
Wishing you a speedy recovery Sir Bobby, a true gent
From a true blue
Speedy recovery Bobby and Very Best Wishes
get well soon bobby, ( great player )
Hope he gets fit in time for the next match he"s a real loss to the side, calm down just kidding hope you get better soon.
Get well soon Sir Bobby one of the greatest ever.
get well Sir Bobby , even though I wasnt alive when you were playing you are still a great hero of Mine and indeed tales of your Footballing heroics with the 66 England Team and indeed Sir Bobby will be aroind for many years to come from Tottenham Fan in NZ
All the best Sir Bobby A True Living Legend.
Thanks City Fans for the nice posts...
We are barracking for you in Oz and wish you a speedy recovery Sir Robert..
You are truly one of nature's gentlemen.
On holiday in Yugoslavia back in 1984,a gentleman from Germany asked where in England I was from? When I replied Manchester the first thing he asked was where is Bobby Charlton ? NUFF SAID!