Sir Bobby Charlton has paid tribute to former England goalkeeper Gordon Banks, who died on Monday night at the age of 81.
The duo were both key figures in Sir Alf Ramsey's famous team that lifted the Jules Rimet Trophy on home soil at the 1966 World Cup following a 4-2 extra-time win over West Germany at Wembley Stadium.
Charlton said he was "proud" to have played with Banks, who earned 73 caps between 1963-72 and also won six successive Fifa goalkeeper of the year awards.
The Manchester United great also recalled with incredulity one of his ex-team-mate's most iconic career moments - a phenomenal save to deny Pele in a 1970 World Cup group stage contest between England and Brazil in Guadalajara, Mexico.
"Lady Norma and I are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Gordon Banks," Charlton said in a statement.
"Gordon was a fantastic goalkeeper, without doubt one of the best England has ever had.
"I was proud to call him a team-mate. Obviously we shared that great day in 1966 but it was more than that.
"Even though I was on the pitch and have seen it many times since, I still don’t know how he saved that header from Pele.
"Gordon will be deeply missed and our thoughts are with his family at this very sad time."
