Tommy Charlton says his brother - Sir Bobby - is having 'bad days and good days'

Sir Bobby Charlton's brother has claimed the Manchester United legend is having 'good days and bad days' follow his recent diagnosis of dementia.

News of the 83-year-old former footballer's illness was announced by his family over the weekend, just three months after the death of Sir Bobby's older brother Jack - who also had dementia.

Fellow 1966 World Cup-winning team-mate Nobby Stiles passed away last week at the age of 78 having been combatting advanced dementia in recent years, but Charlton's brother Tommy confirmed that he had an emotional conversation with his sibling on Monday.

One the same day: Tommy Charlton told Sky Sports News: 'I spoke to Bob today, I phoned his wife to see how he was and she put him on.

'He's having a good day today, it was very rewarding (to hear), it was very good news.

'He has bad days and good days. He was almost in tears when we were talking, I'm afraid I was as well.

'He's always known (how much he is loved). Bob's the sort of fella that everyone loves, I've never heard anyone say anything nasty about him, or criticise him.

'Jack was a different kettle of fish, he could take it, but Bob is a sensitive guy.'

Sir Bobby is the fifth member of the 1966 World Cup-winning team to suffer from the debilitating neurological condition, with Martin Peters and Ray Wilson also diagnosed with Alzheimer’s before their deaths.

Charlton was only 20 years old when he survived the Munich Air Disaster in 1958 which killed eight of the Busby Babes and 23 people in total.

He went on to make 758 appearances and score 249 goals for United including two in the 1968 European Cup final win over Benfica. Charlton also scored 49 goals for England and won the Ballon d’Or in 1966 for his part in England’s World Cup triumph.

His recent diagnosis of dementia has raised concerns about a correlation between playing football, specifically heading the ball, and being diagnosed with Alzheimer's later on in life.

Former Germany international Gerd Muller is also suffering from dementia, with his wife revealing is decline in health ahead of his 75th birthday.