United legend Best passes away
Friday, November 25, 2005
Article summary
Manchester United FC and Northern Ireland legend George Best has died today aged 59 after nearly eight weeks of treatment in a London hospital.
Article body
Liver transplant
Best was first admitted into intensive care at the Cromwell Hospital in west London early last month with flu-like symptoms which developed into a kidney infection. His condition had improved by the start of November but doctors again became worried last week, with Best contracting a lung infection. He had struggled with an alcohol problem for much of his adult life and underwent a liver transplant in 2002.
European glory
Belfast-born Best was regarded by many as the greatest player to come from the United Kingdom. A key figure in the United team of the 1960s, Best symbolised a new era as footballers reached out towards pop-star status. He was twice an English championship winner and also inspired United's 1968 European Champion Clubs' Cup triumph.
High point
He was subsequently elected Football Writers' Player of the Year in England and European Footballer of the Year. However, that was to mark the high point of his career, as the pressures of fame and fortune forced him into premature retirement. Best's great years fell between Northern Ireland's own peaks so he never played at a FIFA World Cup, although he scored nine goals in 37 internationals.
