September 9 -Tributes have poured in from football worldwide following the death of England’s longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, aged 96, yesterday.
Manchester United and West Ham held a minute’s silence before their European ties while Arsenal and FC Zurich – whose game against FC Zurich had already kicked off when the Queen’s death was announced – paid a moving tribute at half time at Zurich’s stadium, Stadion Letzigrund, with Zurich arranging for an image of the Queen smiling to be portrayed on the big screen while both sets of players gathered round the centre circle for a minutes’ silence.
All Premier League and EFL clubs posted tributes on their websites and social media.
Footballing legend Pele said on Twitter: “I have been a great admirer of Queen Elizabeth II since the first time I saw her in person, in 1968, when she came to Brazil to witness our love for football and experienced the magic of a packed Maracana. Her deeds have marked generations. This legacy will last forever.”
The Queen presented the Jules Rimet trophy to the winning captain, Bobby Moore, after England’s 4-2 win over West Germany in 1966. She, like the rest of England, understood the importance of football to the nation she stood at the head of for over 70 years, sending a message to England manager Gareth Southgate before the Euro 2020 final against Italy last year saying: “Fifty-five years ago, I was fortunate to present the World Cup to Bobby Moore and saw what it meant to the players, management and support staff to reach and win the final of a major international football tournament.
“I want to send my congratulations and that of my family to you all on reaching the final of the European Championships and send my good wishes for tomorrow with the hope that history will record not only your success but also the spirit, commitment and pride with which you have conducted yourselves.”
FIFA president Gianni Infantino paid tribute, saying: “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s passing is a huge loss to football, to our society, and to the world… To society, the Queen was a Head of State for a number of FIFA’s Member Associations, and was an active patron of football across the United Kingdom and a supporter of our sport throughout the Commonwealth. To the world, our football community laments the loss of a global leader who engaged and encouraged everyone she met, and on behalf of football across the world, our thoughts are with the royal family at this most difficult time.”
UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin added his condolences saying: “UEFA and European football are truly saddened by the passing away of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, one of the world’s most-respected figures.
“Our thoughts are with her family and the President of the English Football Association Prince William, as well as with the citizens of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth realms.”
The Queen’s first sporting love was horse racing, but she understood the role football played in the life of her country and embraced and encouraged those who played the game.
Former England captain David Beckham posted on Instagram: “I’m truly saddened by the death of Her Majesty, The Queen. What an outpouring of love and respect we saw for the Platinum Jubilee for her life of service.
“How devastated we all feel today shows what she has meant to people in this country and around the world. How much she inspired us with her leadership. How she comforted us when times were tough.
“Until her last days, she served her country with dignity and grace. This year, she would have known how loved she was. My thoughts and prayers are with our Royal Family.”
Current England captain Harry Kane described the Queen as “an amazing inspiration”.
The Queen’s quiet, almost unassumingly graceful presence as Britain’s reigning monarch was celebrated and recognised not just by her subjects but by football’s elite who came to her country to ply their trade.
Jose Mourinho, who managed Chelsea, Spurs and Manchester United in the Premier League, paid a sombre tribute to the Queen after Roma’s Europa League match last night, saying: “I’m so sorry. I have lived in England for many years, my family is there. I don’t think there’s anyone who doesn’t appreciate this great woman, I’m sorry.”
At a time of uncertainty across the United Kingdom, the country is today feeling a deep and profound sense of loss. The Queen was a constant presence that for more than 70 years had supported, encouraged, sympathised and cared.
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