BBC wins George Best interview battle

Football legend George Best is to speak publicly for the first time since his life-saving liver transplant in an interview with the BBC reported to be worth £40,000 (€63,560), it emerged today.

The former Manchester United star is expected to talk candidly about his illness and road to recovery in a 40-minute programme to be screened later this year.

His agent Phil Hughes said: “He wants to be able to publicly thank people for all their support, generosity and well-wishes.”

The Beeb fought off strong competition from rival TV bidders - including Channel 5 - to clinch the deal.

Channel 5 is believed to have offered the star £50,000 (€79,450) to film him over 12 days between November and January, documenting his recovery.

Best, who underwent 10 hours of major surgery and needed 40 pints of blood during the operation, is said to be “doing quite well” following last month’s surgery.

The 56-year-old alcoholic was placed on the transplant waiting list seven to eight months ago after doctors warned his liver was permanently damaged by decades of heavy drinking.

Best, a Sky TV football pundit, is currently recovering from an infection following the liver transplant operation.

His medical team has said that if all goes well, the former footballer should soon notice improvements in his health, including better skin and hair texture, and he should have more energy.