Senna 0 Report post Posted November 25, 2005 Football legend George Best dies BBC Former football star George Best has died in hospital at the age of 59 after suffering multiple organ failure. Best, who was admitted eight weeks ago with flu-like symptoms, died at 1255 GMT. London's Cromwell Hospital said it ended "a long and very valiant fight". Son Calum, 24, who had kept a bedside vigil, said: "Not only have I lost my Dad... we've all lost a wonderful man." The ex-Manchester United and Northern Ireland star is to be buried in Belfast beside his mother, Ann, late next week. Best's father d#ckie, 87, who was among relatives at his bedside overnight, asked for the family to be left to grieve in peace. Best's sister, Barbara McNarry, said: "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." He was the most wonderful player, he could do things that no-one else could do Greg Dyke Praise for Best flows in Send us your tributes The family later viewed the many flowers and messages left by fans outside Cromwell Hospital. Best is widely regarded as one of the greatest players to have graced British and world football. His heyday occurred during the 1960s, when he brought a pop star image to the game. Asked later what happened to the money he had earned, Best replied: "I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered." A statement released by Best's second wife, Alex, said: "George was the love of my life. He was a unique and talented person who made a lot of people very happy." Tributes Prime Minister Tony Blair led tributes to the man he called "probably the most naturally gifted footballer of his generation, one of the greatest footballers the UK has ever produced". "Anyone who has seen him as a football fan will never forget it," Mr Blair said from the Commonwealth Head of Governments meeting in Malta. Best's family announced his death outside Cromwell Hospital Republic of Ireland Prime Minister Bertie Ahern said: "George should be remembered as the very best at what he did. He was quite simply a football genius." Sir Bobby Charlton said his former Manchester United team-mate "made an immense contribution to the game, and enriched the lives of everyone that saw him play". "Football has lost one of its greats, and I have lost a dear friend. He was a marvellous person." A statement from the club said: "For the goals, the audacious dribbles and all the wonderful memories, Manchester United and its legions of fans worldwide will always be grateful." A minute silence is to be observed at every Premiership football match this weekend in Best's memory. Deterioration He had been in hospital since entering with flu-like symptoms on 1 October, later suffering a kidney infection. His condition deteriorated sharply last Friday with the development of a lung infection that led to internal bleeding. Best, a recovering alcoholic, was particularly susceptible to infection because of medicines he needed after a 2002 liver transplant. GEORGE BEST'S HEALTH March 2000: Severe liver damage diagnosed February 2001: Treated for pneumonia April 2001: Anti-alcohol pellets implanted into his stomach July 2002: Undergoes liver transplant November 2004: Routine operation to check on liver transplant October 2005: Treated for kidney infection in intensive care November 2005: Lung infection sees condition worsen Decline of the golden boy The Belfast-born former footballer and television pundit had been prescribed medication to suppress the immune system and prevent his body rejecting the new liver. At the time of his hospital admission in October, Best's agent Phil Hughes said his client had been "off the drink" before being admitted to the hospital. Dr Akeel Alisa, part of the medical team which had been treating Best, described him as "delightful to look after - he was very brave, a fighter to the end". Best helped Manchester United win the First Division title in 1965 and 1967 and the European Cup in 1968. His role in the team's success was recognised by his becoming the European Footballer of the Year in 1968. Best made 466 appearances for the Old Trafford club, scoring a total of 178 goals. He also won 37 caps - scoring nine goals - for Northern Ireland. But despite his talent, his love of a champagne and playboy lifestyle degenerated into alcoholism, bankruptcy, a prison sentence for drink-driving and, eventually, his controversial liver transplant. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pumpdoc 2 Report post Posted November 25, 2005 Football legend George Best dies BBC Tributes Prime Minister Tony Blair led tributes to the man he called "probably the most naturally gifted footballer of his generation, one of the greatest footballers the UK has ever produced". "Anyone who has seen him as a football fan will never forget it," Mr Blair said from the Commonwealth Head of Governments meeting in Malta. Best's family announced his death outside Cromwell Hospital Republic of Ireland Prime Minister Bertie Ahern said: "George should be remembered as the very best at what he did. He was quite simply a football genius." Sir Bobby Charlton said his former Manchester United team-mate "made an immense contribution to the game, and enriched the lives of everyone that saw him play". "Football has lost one of its greats, and I have lost a dear friend. He was a marvellous person." A statement from the club said: "For the goals, the audacious dribbles and all the wonderful memories, Manchester United and its legions of fans worldwide will always be grateful." Best, a recovering alcoholic, was particularly susceptible to infection because of medicines he needed after a 2002 liver transplant. GEORGE BEST'S HEALTH March 2000: Severe liver damage diagnosed February 2001: Treated for pneumonia April 2001: Anti-alcohol pellets implanted into his stomach July 2002: Undergoes liver transplant November 2004: Routine operation to check on liver transplant October 2005: Treated for kidney infection in intensive care November 2005: Lung infection sees condition worsen Decline of the golden boy At the time of his hospital admission in October, Best's agent Phil Hughes said his client had been "off the drink" before being admitted to the hospital. Dr Akeel Alisa, part of the medical team which had been treating Best, described him as "delightful to look after - he was very brave, a fighter to the end". But despite his talent, his love of a champagne and playboy lifestyle degenerated into alcoholism, bankruptcy, a prison sentence for drink-driving and, eventually, his controversial liver transplant. Great hero for the kiddie's to look up to. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Senna 0 Report post Posted November 25, 2005 He was a spectacular player, one of Man U Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jenson_Rules 0 Report post Posted November 26, 2005 May he rest in peace! He was an absolutely AMAZING player from what ive seen, a great loss though let this be lesson, drink and drugs are not the way to go like he did! All in moderation! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ykickamoocow 0 Report post Posted November 26, 2005 He was the drunk that said Australians are stupid and ugly, it caused a huge public outcry. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Taku 0 Report post Posted November 26, 2005 he's a man that meant a lot to a lot of people. my condolensces to his fans. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bajo39 0 Report post Posted November 26, 2005 He was the drunk that said Australians are stupid and ugly, it caused a huge public outcry. Rest in peace George... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nojvnof1 0 Report post Posted November 27, 2005 Rest In Peace George Best. Hopefully United can have a good win over the Hammers later on today. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wez 0 Report post Posted November 28, 2005 May not have been a role model but an awesome footballer. RIP George! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kiko01 0 Report post Posted November 28, 2005 May not have been a role model but an awesome footballer. RIP George! Sure he hasn Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wez 0 Report post Posted November 29, 2005 It was amazing to see the 1 minute clapping ovation at the West Ham vs. Man United game at Upton Park (from both sets of supporters). Best been the showman he was would have preferred that to a minutes silence. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nojvnof1 0 Report post Posted November 29, 2005 It was great to see though. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mclarenmatt 0 Report post Posted November 29, 2005 R.I.P. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kennye 0 Report post Posted November 30, 2005 Being a Yank, I have not heard of him, but to die so young because he was foolish in life is a shame. My sympathy goes out to his family and particularly his poor Father having to bury his child. May not have been a role model but an awesome footballer. RIP George! Now as far as this role model garbage!!! Sports figures and celebs should not role models!!!! They just happen to be in the spotlight, if you want to idolize them for their skill, okay, but role model no. How many of us 'common folks' will ever be able to do what they do, almost none of us. To make them a role model is insane, most people will never do what they do or live the lifestyle they lead. Your parents and other family should be your role models and if you are religious, they should also be role models (unless your Catholic, you don't want to emulate a priest now days..... ) I'm kidding here, I'm a retired Catholic. anyway, where was I... The people around you should be used to mold and shape you not some overpaid athlete or celeb living in a mansion with people doing everything except wipe their butts for them. In some cases they might even have people to do that!!! Wonder what that want ad would look like and how much the pay was, never enough money for me.... Unless you are extremely lucky, you will never achieve anything close to what they have. as they say.... IMHO Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wez 0 Report post Posted December 1, 2005 A great George Best quote... "I spend most my money on Women, Booze & fast Cars, the rest I just wasted". Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bajo39 0 Report post Posted December 1, 2005 A great George Best quote..."I spend most my money on Women, Booze & fast Cars, the rest I just wasted". Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
monza gorilla 1 Report post Posted December 1, 2005 George Best was a gifted athlete who squandered his talents and p**sed his life away. 'nuff said. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Senna 0 Report post Posted December 1, 2005 This is what he actually said: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wez 0 Report post Posted December 2, 2005 Some more classic Best quotes: "I used to go missing a lot...Miss Canada, Miss United Kingdom, Miss World." "I've stopped drinking, but only while I'm asleep." "I was in for 10 hours and had 40 pints - beating my previous record by 20 minutes." -- (on a blood transfusion for his liver transplant, not on his Drinking) "Robert Redford used to be such a handsome man and now look at him: everything has dropped, expanded and turned a funny colour." "He cannot kick with his left foot, he cannot head a ball, he cannot tackle and he doesn't score many goals. Apart from that he's all right." -- (his assesment of Manchester United's David Beckham) "I'd have to be superman to do some of the things I'm supposed to have done, I've been at six different places at six different times. " "I once said Gazza's IQ was less than his shirt number and he asked me: "What's an IQ?"" Best on Paul Gascoigne. "I'd give all the Champagne I've ever drunk to be playing alongside him in a big European match at Old Trafford." Eric Cantona impressed Best. "In 1969 I gave up women and alcohol - it was the worst 20 minutes of my life." George Best - ever the joker. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CC 0 Report post Posted December 2, 2005 Terrible shame, although expected given his past. It Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
