Life of legend Charles celebrated today

Friends, family and fans came together today to celebrate the life of soccer legend John Charles in his home city.

More than 1,000 people crowded into Brangwyn Hall, Swansea, for the memorial service.

Tributes, prayers, poetry and songs were read out and performed over a symbolic 90 minutes, the duration of a football match, celebrating the life of the ‘Gentle Giant’.

Charles died in February, aged 72, after falling ill during a tour of Italy to promote his autobiography, King John.

His funeral was held in Leeds on March 1, St David’s Day, but his ashes were brought back today to the city where he was born.

Wales manager Mark Hughes, Leeds United boss Eddie Gray and former Wales and Liverpool star John Toshack all paid tribute to a much-loved figure.

Former Manchester United star George Best and Newcastle United manager Bobby Robson were among those who wrote expressing their disappointment at not being able to attend the service.

Charles played for Leeds United, Juventus, Roma and Cardiff City and was nicknamed the ‘Gentle Giant’ for his sportsmanship and the fact that he was never sent off or booked during his career.

A moving statement written by his widow Glenda was read out at the service in which she thanked people for their support.

“The love and support from everyone when John died was overwhelming,” she said.

“I wanted his funeral to be perfect and it was. On a special Welsh day in a city he loved and close to his beloved Leeds United.

“But he was always a proud Welshman and I am happy now that he has come back to Wales.

“He is yours. He is one of your special people and he has come home now to his roots.

“I know that you will look after him and you will give him a special place to rest.”

Her moving tribute was echoed by many who spoke at the service.

Among those were Umberto Columbo, a Juventus team-mate from the 1950s who flew in specially for the service.

Wales team-mate Mel Hopkins paid tribute to his friend’s skill as a player and stature as a man.

“He was a gentle giant on the field but I think that more than that he was a gentle man,” he said.

Former World Cup referee Clive Thomas said that because of his respect for the game Charles was a “referee’s dream.

“If you had 22 players of John’s calibre there would have been no use for a referee,” he said.

After the service Swansea Council revealed that plans are already well under way to erect a statue in memorial of Charles.

It will be be outside the city’s new soccer stadium, which is under construction, and will contain the great man’s ashes.