HUDDERSFIELD soccer heroes today paid tribute to John Charles, who has died at the age of 72.
The Juventus and Leeds legend won 38 caps for Wales, scoring 15 goals. He played in the last Wales team to qualify for the World Cup, when he starred at the 1958 finals.
"God bless him" was the immediate reaction of Huddersfield's own soccer legend, Frank Worthington.
"He was in an era before us, but what a legend and deservedly so after taking his immense talents from Leeds to Italy. He was a true ambassador for football.
"He was extremely talented, a brilliant all-round footballer and we all have our own special memories of him."
Worthington said he had been in Charles's company on the after-dinner speaking circuit in recent years. "He was revered by everyone," he added.
England's 1966 World Cup hero, Ray Wilson, was equally saddened, saying: "He was truly a gentle giant. If anyone lived up to that it was John Charles."
He added: "He was one of the first British players to succeed abroad and his tremendous ability shone through in Italy with Juventus."
