Nobby Stiles, the former Manchester United star who played in the 1966 England World Cup-winning side, and who also featured in the United team that won the 1968 European Cup Final, has sold the underpants he wore in both matches at auction.
The single pair of underpants fetched £200,000.
Stiles, born Norbert Peter Stiles, habitually kept his successful underwear in a locked wooden chest at his home. He was awarded the MBE in 2000 for his part in England's 4-2 victory over West Germany on 30 July 1966.
The 68-year-old is selling his underpants for the benefit of his family. He has been ill recently, having suffered a stroke in June, and decided to auction his estate now, rather than have his family quarrel over the treasures after his death.
He said:
"It was always my intention to leave the entire collection of underpants to my children.
"But I have three sons - how do you fairly divide up this sort of collection between them?
"They have each selected some pieces they would like to keep for themselves."
Mr Stiles is one of only three Englishmen to have won the World Cup and European Cup, but he was not rewarded in the same way as today's players. In 1966 he received only £1,000 for winning the World Cup. After tax, this was reduced to £650.
He began playing for Manchester United in 1957 and was paid £3.25 a week. When he signed for Middlesbrough in 1971 he was paid about £20,000 a year.
Compare that with current Manchester United star Wayne Rooney who has just signed a new contract which is reportedly worth about £28,000 per day.
Nobby Stiles's son John said he was "pleased" with the sale of his underkegs. He said:
"They were in the loft. They were a bit fusty, and stunk to high heaven, of course, but otherwise they are in mint condition."
He added that his father, who played in a Manchester United side which included George Best, Denis Law and Bobby Charlton, had loved his football career and was not envious of the rewards given to modern players. According to John, Nobby said of Rooney:
"I hope he fucking chokes on it!"
