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Football is mourning the loss of a Wales and Swansea legend with news of the death of Mel Charles at the age of 81.

Charles, who played in the 1958 World Cup alongside his brother John, made 233 appearances for Swansea Town, scoring 69 goals, before a big move to Arsenal in 1959 where he scored 26 goals in 60 appearances.

He also had three years with Cardiff City from 1962-65 playing 79 times for the Bluebirds and bagging 25 goals.

He could play centre-half, right-half or centre forward and in the 1958 World Cup, Brazil's footballing superstar Pele described him as the best defender of the tournament.

Tributes have been paid the man who scored six goals in 31 appearances for Wales from 1955 to 1962.

His friend on and off the field, Mel Nurse, described him as a "big character".

Former Swansea great Nurse said of the player who also had spells with Porthmadog, Port Vale, Oswestry Town and Haverfordwest: "We were brought up together with his brother John .

"We went to Cwmbwrla and Manselton schools. He was two years younger than me. I followed him on and off the field. I will miss him. We used to socialise together. We went to functions and dinners together.

"In the 1958 World Cup he stood out.

"In those days players didn't ask for transfers. Clubs sold them.

"They sold him to Arsenal, a top club in the country and Spurs, another top club, were interested. If he had been playing today he would have been worth millions.

Mr Nurse said his friend had not been in good health in recent times and was in a Swansea care home.

"I had a phone call within 10 minutes of his passing," he said. "I was gutted.

"He was a big character. Swansea has lost a legend. Anyone who had anything to do with Mel knew he was a big personality. He will be sorely missed."