FIFA president Gianni Infantino has written to FAI President, Gerry McAnaney to express his condolences over the death of Jack Charlton.
In his letter to McAnaney, Infantino claims that Charlton "will forever stay in our memories". Infantino also highlighted Charlton's successes in his club and managerial career but also his personal qualities, saying:
"A legendary figure for England, Leeds United FC and the Republic of Ireland, his legacy and achievements, and in particular his friendly personality, his loyalty and his human qualities will not be forgotten, and he will be truly missed. Loved and adored in the Republic of Ireland, a kind, warm-hearted and genuine person, he will forever stay in our memories."
Infantino's letter can be read below:
I would like to express my sincerest and heartfelt condolences on the passing of legendary player and coach, Jack Charlton. Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel for this loss affecting Irish football.
Manager of the Republic of Ireland National Team for a decade, Jack Charlton led one of their most talented generations to their first UEFA European Football Championship in 1988 in West Germany, their maiden FIFA World Cup in 1990 in Italy, reaching the quarter-finals, as well as the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the USA.
FIFA World Cup winner with England in 1966, he played his whole career with Leeds United FC, spending over two decades at the club, and notably winning the Football League First Division title in 1969, one FA Cup, one Football League Cup and one Charity Shield.
A legendary figure for England, Leeds United FC and the Republic of Ireland, his legacy and achievements, and in particular his friendly personality, his loyalty and his human qualities will not be forgotten, and he will be truly missed. Loved and adored in the Republic of Ireland, a kind, warm-hearted and genuine person, he will forever stay in our memories.
On behalf of the international football community, I wish to extend our deepest sympathy to the Football Association of Ireland, and to Jack's family, his friends and loved ones. Our thoughts are with all of you. We hope that these memories and our words of support may help bring some peace and solace at this difficult time.
Since Charlton passed away last Friday, there has been no shortage of stories or heartfelt messages for the former Republic of Ireland manager across social media. An online book of condolences set up by the FAI for the former Ireland manager has already reached over 16,500 messages according to the FAI.
