George Best 1946-2005 RIP
Former football star George Best has died in hospital at the age of 59.
Son Calum, 24, who had kept an all-night vigil at Best's bedside, said: "Not only have I lost my dad but we've all lost a wonderful man."
Best died in intensive care at 1255 GMT on Friday following "a long and very ******* fight", said a statement from west London's Cromwell Hospital.
The ex-Manchester United and Northern Ireland star had multiple organ failure following weeks of ill health.
Best's father Dickie, 87, was among family members at the bedside overnight.
A statement from Best's second wife, Alex, said: "George was the love of my life. He was a unique and talented person who made a lot of people very happy."
Tributes
Republic of Ireland Prime Minister Bertie Ahern led tributes, describing Best as one of his "one of the best players the world has ever seen".
"In the days ahead people will struggle with words to try to describe his talent," Mr Ahern said.
"In this regard George should be remembered as the very best at what he did. He was quite simply a football genius."
The hospital statement continued: "The thoughts of all staff at Cromwell Hospital are with Mr Best's family at this time."
Best had been in hospital since entering with flu-like symptoms on 1 October, later suffering a kidney infection.
His condition deteriorated sharply last Friday with the development of a lung infection that led to internal bleeding.
Best, a recovering alcoholic, was particularly susceptible to infection because of medicines he needed after a 2002 liver transplant.
The Belfast-born former footballer and television pundit had been prescribed medication to suppress the immune system and prevent his body rejecting the new liver.
At the time of his hospital admission in October, Best's agent Phil Hughes said his client had been "off the drink" before being admitted to the hospital.
Heyday
Best is widely regarded as one of the greatest players to have graced the British and world game.
His heyday occurred during the 1960s, and he brought a pop star image to the game for the first time.
But the accompanying champagne and playboy lifestyle degenerated into alcoholism, bankruptcy, a prison sentence for drink-driving and, eventually, his controversial liver transplant.
He helped Manchester United win the First Division title in 1965 and 1967 and the European Cup in 1968. His role in the team's success was recognised by his becoming the European Footballer of the Year in 1968.
Best made 466 appearances for the Old Trafford club, scoring a total of 178 goals.
He also won 37 caps - scoring nine goals - for Northern Ireland.
This guy put northern ireland on the sporting map, and was probably the best football (soccer) player the world has seen! Its a sad day here, wev lost a son
