12 Years Ago Today, Sir Bobby Robson Made His Last Public Appearance And It Was Emotional
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12 years ago today, the late Sir Bobby Robson had his final public outing and it was emotional.
Rather fittingly, it took place at Newcastle United's St James' Park - between England and Germany - in a rematch of the semi-final at Italia 90'.
A host of players who played in that iconic game were involved, alongside other legends with connections to Sir Bobby and a slew of celebrities.
It was a beautiful and emotional spectacle, with Tenors Unlimited, a three-piece opera group, singing both national anthems as well as belting out Nessun Dorma to mark that memorable night in Turin.
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Sir Bobby was seriously ill but still made the effort to shake everyone's hand when he was wheeled onto the pitch in his chair and was presented with two prestigious honours: a Lifetime Achievement Award and the Emerald UEFA Order of Merit award.
It's been 12 years since Sir Bobby Robson made his last public outing, at an England vs Germany Legends match in his honour.
- A Funny Old Game (@sid_lambert) July 26, 2021
A few days later he left us. That final line about Gazza will break your heart...pic.twitter.com/oNCTQOdPEq
Because he was so weak and fatigued, he wasn't able to fully appreciate England's 3-2 comeback victory but said he enjoyed the game when asked by his son, Mark.
He then famously quipped "How did Gascoigne play?" - something that had 'Gazza' tearing up when they told him as part of an ITV documentary.
Robson was like a father figure to so many of his players and they still have fond memories of playing under him.
When BBC showed footage of the 1990 World Cup in July, it really got to Gary Lineker.
"Don't know, I think I have something in my eye," said the former England striker when the camera cut back to him, fighting back tears. "Bobby, bless him."
Robson gave Lineker his England debut back in 1984 and coached him for the national team all the way through until that semi-final in 1990.
His legacy still lives on today through the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, which continues to raise millions for charity.
Topics: Football, England, Germany, Newcastle United, Paul Gascoigne
