John Charles, R.I.P.

From The Sunday Express (UK). Notice especially the last line. An amazing life, and amazing legacy.

Sporting, political and personal tributes from across the world have flooded in for former Welsh football legend John Charles who has died, aged 72.

During his career, Charles played for Wales, Italian giants Juventus, Leeds United, Cardiff City and Roma and was known as "the Gentle Giant".

Earlier this month, part of Charles' right foot was amputated in Milan due to gangrene caused by circulation problems, a month after he underwent heart surgery.

Last weekend, he was flown to Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield. He died there at 4.30am, this Saturday morning.

Wales' first minister Rhodri Morgan led the tributes to the "world legend" and said: "We have lost one of the greatest Welshmen of the 20th century."

The 6ft 2ins, 13 stone legend had iconic status among Italians where he was "almost regarded as a saint" for his powerful, professional and above all gentle manner, never having been booked or sent off throughout his career.