November 24, 2005
You may have seen a spot on BBC last night about the death of George Best, legendary footballer and larger-than-life human being, at the age of 59.
Unlike a media created celebrity like David Beckham, Best was an extremely articulate, intelligent footballing genius. Imagine a David Beckham with real talent and intelligence!!
Best grew up in the Swinging Sixties, and played for Manchester United and Northern Ireland. In 1972, at the age of 26 and at the height of his career and celebrity, he walked away from it all.
Unfortunately, his personal life was hell and he descended into alcoholism and even had a liver transplant in later life. He was unapologetic about his lifestyle and never expected the public's sympathy or pity. Ironically, he was (and still is) the best loved footballer Britain has ever produced. He never believed in sound-bytes, cultivating the media or hiring a spin doctor, but they loved him anyway.
When asked about his life later in life, he laconically said "My personal life and problems have been well-documented. I hope that people remember the football".
Yes, we do. Watch his old Man U football game videos from the 1960s as he displays his running, dribbling and shooting skills - no intentional flamboyance or show-off, just a genius doing what he loved best, and his abilities take your breath away. His opponents seem clumsy and leaden-footed as they struggle to keep up with him.
George Best - R.I.P. We will always remember the football - the beautiful game.
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