Best's Death 'Hours, If Not Minutes' Away



George Best's death is reported to be "a matter of hours if not minutes" away after the United legend spent the night fighting for his life.

Doctors at London's Cromwell Hospital say Best, 59, has been "hanging on, proving he is a true fighter" since the early hours of yesterday morning (Thursday) when he developed internal bleeding.

His visitors on Thursday included former United team-mates Sir Bobby Charlton and Denis Law. Family members including his son Calum and his father Dick have been keeping a vigil at George's bedside.

The beginning of the end was announced by Professor Roger Williams, Best's friend and senior doctor, at lunch-time yesterday.

"He is coming to the end of his ill health," said Professor Williams. "I'd be very surprised if he survives the next 24 hours."

"The intensive care team and everyone concerned in treating George have managed to cope with all the complications apart from the one that happened again during the night.

"It has affected his lungs and other parts... there is really no return from that situation," he added. "It is just not possible to recover from that episode he has had during the night and which he is now faced with.

"He is still alive and is having standard medical care and treatment. But I have to tell you his hours are numbered."

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson expressed his sadness at the latest developments in the former United star's ill-health.

"It's a sad situation because he's a wonderful person," Sir Alex said. "I've met him a few times over the years and he is so likeable. That's the sad part."

Best was admitted to the Cromwell Hospital on 1 October suffering from a flu-like infection. His health deteriorated rapidly when he developed a kidney infection.

But he improved and he was relatively stable in a general ward on Thursday 17 November. However, he developed a lung infection and was put back on a ventilator in intensive care the following day.

Doctor Akeel Alisa, Professor Williams' assistant, said on Thursday morning: "George is a friend, not just a patient. It's been a very emotional day."

George Best is arguably the most talented British footballer of all time. In 1963, at the age of 17, he made his professional debut for United and helped the club lift the European Cup in 1968.

He was voted English and European Footballer of the Year that season.

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