Football story by Carl Anders, Sat, 26 Nov 2005 12:28:00 GMT


LONDON - It's always quite shocking when you are reminded that sporting legends are also mere mortals. The footballing world, which viewed the exploits of one George Best with awe, was in for a rude shock when it was announced that the former Manchester United and Northern Ireland star succumbed to multiple organ failure at the Cromwell hospital in London yesterday. Best was 59.

Best, who was admitted to the hospital around eight weeks ago with flu-like symptoms died at 1255 GMT, the hospital announced. The news was quite expected since it was said for some days that he was in a critical condition and was fighting for his life. Best's son, Callum, was at his bedside when the end came, "Not only have I lost my Dad... we've all lost a wonderful man," he said.

Best's sister, Barbara McNarry thanked his friends and fans for the support that they had given to the family, "To the thousands upon thousands of people who have sent cards and e-mails, we have taken great comfort from them, especially during the long hours."

George Best mesmerized the football world with his exploits in the 60's and the 70's. He was widely regarded as the greatest player of his times and indeed in footballing history.

His years at Manchester United are now a part of the folklore at the club, which is dubbed as the "Theatre of Dreams." Best led the club to First Division titles in 1965 and 1967 and also starred in the European Cup victory in 1968. His exploits there won him the European Footballer of the Year that summer. He played in 474 matches at the club scoring 180 wonderful goals.

Internationally, he represented Northern Ireland 37 times scoring nine goals. He was a man addicted to the fast life and his affinity for a good drink saw him suffer liver failure, which necessitated a transplant in 2002.

In October this year, he was treated for a kidney infection and later for a lung infection, which finally saw him succumb after eight weeks of intense treatment. Sir Alex Fergusson led the tributes to him by saying, "He raised the bar to such a level of skill, artistry and courage that even they couldn't quite believe that a young player could do that."

George Best is to be buried in Belfast beside his mother later next week.

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