'This is magic': Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton carries Olympic Torch past Old Trafford
The Olympic Torch was carried by Old Trafford legend Sir Bobby Charlton during its visit to Greater Manchester this weekend.
Manchester United's most prolific goal scorer carried the flame as it passed the Reds stadium at 6.50am yesterday.
The 74-year-old 1966 England World Cup winner was one of 151 torchbearers who carried the Torch on its way from Manchester to Leeds.
Sir Bobby said he was overwhelmed as he stopped to speak to hundreds of fans in front of the iconic Trinity statue, which depicts United's 'Holy Trinity' of himself, George Best and Denis Law.
Sir Bobby said: "This is magic.
"This is a great place and the fans have been great.
"This time in the morning. It's staggering isn't it? But they like to be part of it and it's just a happy time.
"I'm so proud and so pleased. It's something that we worked for and it's culminated in a fantastic time."
The United hero, who now has an ambassadorial role with the club, said he ‘never dreamed’ the Olympics would come to Great Britain.
"We were so pleased when it happened. It's has just been terrific," he added.
The relay will travelled 121.35 miles yesterday, culminating in an evening celebration at Temple Newsam, Leeds.
The Olympic flame arrived in the UK on May 18 and the relay began at Land's End, Cornwall, the next day.
A total of 8,000 people will carry the flame during its 8,000-mile, 70-day journey to the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in London July 27.
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