George Best 'stable' as he fights for his life

Football legend George Best was today seriously ill but “stable” as he fights for his life in hospital.

The former Manchester United star, 59, is suffering from internal bleeding and is being treated in intensive care at the Cromwell Hospital in west London.

The private hospital released an update on Best’s condition today which said: “George Best remains in intensive care.

“His condition is stable but he is suffering from complications common in ICU patients.

“The unit is doing everything possible.”

The former Northern Ireland footballer, who had a life-saving liver transplant in 2002, was admitted to the Cromwell nearly four weeks ago suffering from an infection.

He has had a well-documented battle against alcoholism, but the latest health problems are thought to be related to immuno-suppressant drugs he has been taking for his condition rather than drinking.

Best’s agent, Phil Hughes, said yesterday that his condition was “as bad as it gets”.

He said the infection had spread from his chest to his kidneys, and was also affecting other organs.

Reports claimed Best had sent messages to friends and ex-girlfriends saying: ``I'm near the end.''

His former wife, Alex, said yesterday that she had been told his condition had “deteriorated dramatically”.

She said: “I am just praying that, once again, he somehow manages to pull through against all the odds.

“My thoughts and prayers are with him.”