01/08/2002

Best recovery continues after liver transplant

Northern Ireland football legend George Best has been moved out of intensive care after making good progress following a liver transplant.

Doctors said Best's progress since undergoing surgery at a London hospital on Tuesday was pleasing.

The former Manchester United star was moved to a specialist liver ward at the Cromwell Hospital in west London this morning.

Since news broke of the operation the 56-year-old football legend has received thousands of letters of support.

The 56-year-old former Manchester United ace has suffered from alcoholism for a number of years, and his health had seriously deteriorated in recent months.

Health problems had lead to a number of hospital stays for Best, all said to be relating to his failing liver.

During a holiday to Cyprus, he was admitted to hospital in Cyprus with gastroenteritis and last year he was taken to Belfast City Hospital suffering from pneumonia. His liver was said to be working at only 20% capacity before his operation.

However, despite health problems Best had remained busy with football pundit slots for SkySports and a weekly column for the Mail On Sunday.

Messages of goodwill have come pouring from around the world, from fans who remember the glory days.

(GMcG/MB)

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