REMEMBERING MOORO: 1941 – 1993
Those of us who lived through that era and watched him from the Upton Park terraces were truly blessed – he was unarguably the greatest footballer we have ever – and probably – will ever see.
Many of us barely see a day go by without remembering the man…in my case he was my last true footballing hero.
The 1966 World Cup-winning captain, sadly passed away on this day 22 years ago. He made 646 league and cup appearances for the Hammers, scoring 27 goals.
Born in Barking on 12 April 1941, he made his debut for his local club in a 3-2 win over Manchester United at the Boleyn Ground as a 17-year-old on 8 September 1958. It was the start of a glittering career that is remembered fondly by football fans the world over.
He lifted the FA Cup in 1964 and the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1965. A year later, he was back at Wembley to complete an unforgettable hat-trick by lifting the Jules Rimet Trophy following England’s 4-2 victory over West Germany.
Fellow Hammers legend Billy Bonds MBE admitted to ClaretandHugh: ” When I arrived from Charlton I was absolutely over awed by him. The feeling never really went away.
He was a hero to me and an icon. He was an unforgettable footballer and man. To have known him was incredible – to have played with him was a fantastic honour.”
Mooro as an immortal – Bob, YOU ARE NEVER FORGOTTEN!