'Gentle giant' John Charles dies
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Charles was a formidable center forward.
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LONDON, England (Reuters) -- Wales international striker John Charles, dubbed the "gentle giant" by Italian fans during five prolific seasons with Juventus, died early on Saturday at the age of 72.
Charles, who had emergency heart surgery and part of his foot amputated due to serious blood circulation problems after falling ill in Milan in January, died in a Wakefield hospital.
Born in Cwmdu near Swansea in 1931, Charles scored 147 goals for Leeds United in 200 games before moving to the Turin club in 1957.
He became one of the greatest players to represent Juventus, notching 93 goals in 155 matches, and also enjoyed the rare distinction of playing an entire career without being booked or sent off.
Charles, tall, strong and quick, was equally formidable at center-half or in midfield and was the first leading British player to make a lasting impression in Italy.
"John was without question the greatest footballer produced from Wales," said Football Association of Wales general secretary David Collins.
"His all-round ability in the air and on the ground made him equally at home as a center-half and center-forward. Indeed, he could play in any position.
"He was the perfect ambassador for Wales and the great game that is football."
Charles, who also played for Roma and Cardiff, won 38 caps for his country and helped Wales to the quarterfinals of the 1958 World Cup.
Black arm bands
Juventus announced their players would wear black arm bands in their Serie A match against Bologna on Sunday as a mark of respect for Charles.
"We are crying for the loss of a great champion and a great man," said Juventus vice-president Roberto Bettega.
"He was a person who represented in the best way the Juve spirit and who personified the sport in the purest and most beautiful manner.
"The thoughts of everyone at Juventus are with his wife Glenda and the children of the unforgettable Gentle Giant."
Giampiero Boniperti, a former teammate of Charles at Juventus and currently the club's honorary president, said he was "an extraordinary person, a great friend and a remarkable teammate."
"Charles was one of the most loyal and correct men that I ever met, as well as being a great footballer. He kept the whole squad together, whenever there was a row things calmed down as soon as he was present on the field or in the dressing room," he said.
"I remember John Charles with enormous affection and great sadness. There is no longer the man who always did things for the best, a person who offered so much to learn from."
Marcello Lippi, the current Juventus coach, said Charles had produced some magnificent performances in combination with Omar Sivori.
"From the human aspect, we have lost a great man," he said.
"I was able to get to know him during his trips in Italy, when he came to visit the team during our summer training camp at Chatillon and here in Turn. He left a special impression on me, whenever he spoke of Juventus, past or present, his eyes lit up."
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