Soccer legend George Best dies

George Best, the former Manchester United and Northern Ireland football legend, died in hospital in the early hours of Friday morning.

Staff at west London's Cromwell Hospital confirmed that the 59-year-old had lost his battle at 12.55pm following "a long and very valiant fight".

A short time later, Best's family emerged to thank the hospital staff and well-wishers.

His son Calum said: "My father has passed away. Not only have I lost my dad but we have all lost a wonderful man and I would like to take the time to thank Professor Williams and Dr Akeel (Alisa) and everyone here at the Cromwell Hospital for doing everything they can do, and all the well-wishers and friends and letters and flowers and emails - it all means so much to all of us."

Best's sister Barbara McNarry read a statement on behalf of the family. She said: "As you can imagine this is a very difficult time so you will understand if we are a bit emotional.

"First of all I would like to say on behalf of the family a huge thank you to everyone who has supported George and us though this traumatic time.

"In particular to Professor Williams and to Dr Akeel (Alisa) who have become firm friends as well as medical advisers to George.

"To the rest of the medical staff and particularly (those) from the Intensive Care Unit who have offered the most overwhelming support, especially over the last 24 hours. Words cannot describe to lengths to which they have gone to make this easy for the family.

"To the thousands upon thousands of people who have sent cards and emails - we have taken great comfort from them, especially during the long hours.

"And finally I would like to say a very special thank you to Phil Hughes who, over the last 25 years, has been to George nothing but a firm friend."

George Best underwent major surgery in 2002 when he had a liver transplant.

Admitted to hospital at the beginning of October following an infection, he was in intensive care for much of that time.

However, his condition failed to resolve following treatment and it later emerged that he had suffered internal bleeding.

While he rallied a little earlier in the week, and regained consciousness for a time, his condition deteriorated markedly as the man regarded as one of the modern era's true football stars succumbed to multiple-organ failure.

(MB/SP)