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";s:4:"text";s:13570:"His agent, Phil Hughes, said Best would be buried at the family plot in Roselawn cemetery, in the Castlereagh hills above east Belfast, where his mother, Ann, was laid to rest. He was 59. His first time moving to the club, Best quickly became homesick and stayed for only two days before going back home to Northern Ireland. A statement on the club's website today said: "George Best was one of the greatest footballers of all time. That is the ultimate salute to my life. Former team-mates Denis Law and Sir Bobby Charlton were among those who visited Best in hospital. George Best, one of the greatest and most charismatic players in the history of football, died today after losing his long battle with illnesses linked to alcoholism. https://www.britannica.com/biography/George-Best, International Football Hall of Fame - Biography of George Best. Like them, Best was a colossal celebrity. Best, who was admitted eight weeks ago with flu … Best suffered from alcoholism for the majority of his life. … His condition deteriorated sharply last Friday with the development of a lung infection that led to internal bleeding. ", 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 made a total of 466 appearances for United, scoring 178 goals, but some argue that his greatness as a player had waned by his mid-20s as he became increasingly distracted by his lifestyle. His drinking continued to affect his play, however, and he became as well known for his squandered talent as for his undeniable brilliance. Best, a Belfast-born Northern Ireland international whose talents and looks earned him the nickname the "fifth Beatle", made his United debut as a 17-year-old in 1963, going on to enthral crowds in the English league and in Europe with his flair on the wing. He was a marvellous person. "The letters, flowers and emails [from well-wishers] meant so much to all of us, and I have to say thank you very much.". Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. At the tender age of 15, his raw talent caught the eye of ‘Manchester United’ scout Bob Bishop, who was convinced about George’s potential. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Best is widely regarded as one of the greatest players to have graced British and world football. George Best, (born May 22, 1946, Belfast, Northern Ireland—died November 25, 2005, London, England), Irish-born football (soccer) player who was one of the premier forwards in the game’s history and a fashionable playboy off the field. He was 59. ", A statement released by Best's second wife, Alex, said: "George was the love of my life. After internal bleeding spread to his lungs on Wednesday evening, Prof Williams said there was no chance of a recovery. The Portuguese press dubbed him "El Beatle" after an inspirational performance when United thrashed a strong Benfica side in the European Cup in 1966. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. He led the club to another league championship during the 1966–67 season. The stylish Best became one of the iconic figures of “Swinging London” during the 1960s. In 1968 he was named European Footballer of the Year and helped United become the first English club to win the European Cup. The Guardian's David Lacey writes: "George Best was the outstanding British footballer of his generation and that, many would argue, is a gross understatement, for he had plausible claims to be considered the greatest of any generation.". He had a liver transplant in 2002, and died on 25 November 2005 in London's Cromwell Hospital from multiple organ failure, aged 59. London's Cromwell Hospital said it ended "a long and very valiant fight". Called the “Fifth Beatle,” the handsome Best had long hair that was an anomaly among footballers but was reminiscent of the “mop tops” of England’s preeminent rock and rollers, the Beatles. Adam Augustyn is Managing Editor, Reference Content at Encyclopædia Britannica. "It will definitely be in Belfast ... that's where George told me he always wanted it," Mr Hughes said. He returned to Manchester and spent tw… The hospital this morning announced that it had stopped giving him treatment to keep him alive. At the age of 15, Best was discovered in Belfast by Manchester United scout Bob Bishop, whose telegram to United manager Matt Busby read: "I think I've found you a genius." He was a unique and talented person who made a lot of people very happy.". Son Calum, 24, who had kept a bedside vigil, said: "Not only have I lost my Dad... we've all lost a wonderful man.". He also won 37 caps - scoring nine goals - for Northern Ireland. After a bitter departure from United in 1974, he played for numerous lesser teams in Britain, Spain, Australia, and the United States until 1983. Helping United to a league title in 1965 and 1967 and the European footballer of the iconic figures of Swinging. Would be remembered not for his football '' he added will review what you ’ ve submitted and determine to. 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