Soccer Legend Best Dies

LATEST: Soccer legend George Best has died in hospital in London. He was 59.

The former Northern Ireland and Manchester United star lost his battle with multiple organ failure at 12.55pm (GMT) (25NOV05).

He was first admitted to the Cromwell Hospital in London on 1 October (05) suffering flu-like symptoms. He later suffered a kidney infection, which he succesfully beat. Best then contracted a lung infection last week that led to internal bleeding that he was unable to recover from.

His family, including his father DICKIE, 87, and son CALUM, 25, were at his bedside when he died.

Best was the most talented British footballer of his generation and was named European Footballer of the Year in 1968, in the same year he lifted the European Cup with Manchester United.

But a playboy lifestyle, legendary womanising and heavy drinking began to take it's toll on his performances. In 1974 he was sacked by Manchester United and his career subsequently went into freefall.

Alcoholism continued to keep Best in the headlines and in 2002 he underwent a controversial liver transplant.

Further drinking led to his dramatically deteriorating health.

Best is survived by his one son Calum, from his first marriage to Angie Best.