Now it is official after he was inducted into a European Hall of Fame this week.

The Gentle Giant who starred for Wales, Juventus and Leeds, was selected in a 10-strong list of the greatest British and Irish players and managers, based on their achievements in European competitions.

An expert judging panel including Sir Tom Finney, Sir Trevor Brooking, Jimmy Greaves, Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Mark Lawrenson picked the 10 for the National Football Museum's annual awards.

Another United great Peter Lorimer said: "It's fantastic. It couldn't have happened to a nicer person. In my eyes he has always been one of the best."

John Charles is joined in the hall of fame by former Leeds manager Brian Clough, although it is likely he was included for his achievements with Nottingham Forest and Derby County and not his infamous 44-day reign with the club.

Liverpool legends Kenny Dalglish, Kevin Keegan and Bob Paisley are also in.

The list is completed by Manchester United's George Best, Sir Bobby Charlton, Sir Alex Ferguson, Sir Matt Busby, and ex-England manager Sir Bobby Robson.

The National Football Museum holds a Hall of Fame dinner every year.
But the European-themed event, held in Liverpool on Wednesday, was the Preston-based museum's contribution to city's Capital of Culture celebrations.

Guest of honour UEFA president Michel Platini, and former Juventus player, received an all-time great European footballer award at the dinner.

The museum's head of PR Philippa Duxberry said: "John Charles's widow Glenda actually picked up the trophy.

"It was a very emotional night for her and she said how proud her husband would have been to be included on the list."

Swansea-born Charles began his career as a central defender with Leeds. Raich Carter arrived as manager and transformed him into a striker.

The Welshman went on to score 150 goals in eight years included 42 goals in 39 games in 1953-54 – a record that still stands today.

Charles was sold for a then record £65,000 to Juventus in 1957.
In his five years at Juventus the Welsh international scored 93 goals in 155 matches, winning the Scudetto (Italian league championship) three times, and the Italian Cup twice.

He won the nickname Il Gigante Buono (The Gentle Giant), both for his size and the fact that he was never cautioned or sent off in his entire career.

Juventus fans voted him to be the best-ever foreign footballer to play for their team.

John first played for the Wales national team shortly after his 18th birthday and was in the side which made it to the quarter finals of the 1958 Football World Cup.

He ended his playing career with Cardiff City and later became manager of Hereford and Merthyr Tydfil, and technical director of the Canadian team, Hamilton Steelers.

In his latter years John lived near Cleckheaton with his second wife Glenda and was awarded the CBE in 2001.

He died, aged 72, in Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield in February, 2004.

Two years later the John Charles Centre for Sport in Beeston was re-named in his honour.