The former Manchester United and Northern Ireland goalkeeper, Harry Gregg, described by multitudes as a hero for his part in the historic Munich air disaster in 1958, has died. He was aged 87.
On a tragic day 62 years ago, Gregg showed immense bravery to rescue his teammates and other passengers, following a plane crash in which 23 people were killed. He joined United in December 1957 for £23 500, which at the time, made him the world’s most expensive goalkeeper. He was voted the best shot-stopper at the following year’s Fifa World Cup.
Playing for his home country, Northern Ireland, Gregg made 25 appearances between 1954 and 1963. The Harry Gregg Foundation, established by the former great as part of his outreach efforts, said that he died at a hospital back in his country of birth. “Harry passed away peacefully, in hospital, surrounded by his loving family.
“The Gregg family would like to thank the medical staff at Causeway Hospital for their wonderful dedication to Harry over his last few weeks. To everyone who has called, visited or sent well-wishes, we thank you for the love and respect shown to Harry and the family.”
“Details of his funeral arrangement will be issued in the next few days. We would ask that the privacy of the family is respected at this difficult time. Never to be forgotten!”Northern Ireland’s football governing body, the Irish Football Association called Gregg a “legend of the game and a brave, selfless giant of a man,” the foundation continued, per BBC Sport.
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