Sir Bobby Robson's Final Public Appearance At St James' Park Was Emotional And Beautiful Spectacle

The late Sir Bobby Robson would have been 89 today and we're celebrating the great man's legacy by remembering his final public outing,

Rather fittingly, it took place at Newcastle United's St James' Park - with the 'Sir Bobby Robson trophy' tribute match contested between England and Germany.

A number of players who played in the famous semi-final at Italia 90' turned out in the replay, alongside other legends with connections to Sir Bobby and various 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.

Sir Bobby was seriously ill but still made the effort to shake everyone's hand when he was wheeled out 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.

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.

"I 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 memorable run to the semi-final in 1990.

The legendary manager achieved success with Ipswich Town, PSV Eindhoven, Porto, Barcelona and was inducted into the English football Hall of Fame.

His legacy still lives on today through the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, which continues to raise millions for charity.

Featured Image Credit: Image: Twitter

Topics: Newcastle United, Paul Gascoigne, England

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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