Sir Bobby salutes departed 'great'

'Magical' ability
Sir Bobby and Best were part of the United team that became the first English side to lift the European Champion Clubs' Cup in 1968. Recalling the "magical" ability of Best, Sir Bobby spoke fondly of his former colleague earlier this week. "He was a player with his own mind," the 1966 FIFA World Cup winner said. "He used to go off and do things that were impossible for anyone else to do. He just had this magical, magical ability and skill."

Benfica wowed
For Sir Bobby, one match in particular summed up the elusive Northern Ireland winger. Leading 3-2 against SL Benfica after the first leg of their 1965/66 European Cup quarter-final, United travelled to Portugal knowing they might have to become the first team to beat Benfica on home turf to secure a semi-final place. "There was this really hostile environment and within about 15 minutes he'd ended the game as far as Benfica were concerned," Sir Bobby said. United had conceded five goals on a previous visit to Portugal (against Sporting Clube de Portugal two years before) but Best scored twice in a 5-1 win at the Luz and returned home with a sombrero on his head.

'Great player'
"He was just explosive. His unbelievable control and cheekiness gave the public a lot to like, and they love people like George Best because they'd all like to do that but unfortunately they can't. He was a magical player and one of the great players in European and world football."