Photo by Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images
Photo by Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images
Atletico Madrid made a social media post after captain Koke matched Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton.
Manchester United made a winning start to their Champions League campaign last week, beating Sabah 4-0 at Old Trafford.
Next up in Europe for United is a clash against Atletico Madrid next month at the Metropolitano, and the Spanish giants gave a nod towards Sir Bobby Charlton this week.
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Atletico Madrid star matches Sir Bobby Charlton feat
On Sunday, as United lost 1-0 to Manchester City in the derby, Atletico achieved a 3-0 win over Real Sociedad in La Liga.
Diego Simeone’s side have had a mixed start to the season but have now lifted themselves up to fifth in the La Liga table.
Not only did Atletico achieve a big win, but their captain, Koke, also matched Sir Bobby Charlton’s appearance record.
On X, Atletico posted: “Last night our captain matched a football legend: Sir Bobby Charlton. 746 matches with the team of his life. Koke. The legend continues.”
Charlton spent 20 years at United, first coming through the youth ranks and then spending 17 years with the first team between 1956-1973.
Incredibly, Koke is also in his 17th season as an Atletico Madrid player, and he has now matched the appearances that Charlton made for United.
The 34-year-old midfielder could feature for Atletico when they face United on October 13.
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Sir Bobby Charlton’s record at Man United
Charlton not only made 746 appearances for United, but his record with the Red Devils is outstanding.
READ MORE: Sir Bobby Charlton picked his best ever Manchester United XI, it’s incredible
Across those appearances, Charlton scored 249 goals, making him the club’s top scorer for decades before Wayne Rooney became top scorer in 2016.
Charlton was also a key part of United’s 1968 European Cup triumph, and he also was part of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning side.