George Best's hours 'are numbered'

Football legend George Best is “coming to the end of the long road of his ill-health”, his doctor said today.

Professor Roger Williams warned that Best, 59, could die at any time.

“He’s still alive, he’s still having standard medical care and treatment but I have to tell that his hours are numbered now,” he said.

Prof Williams added: "I would be very surprised if he survives another 24 hours.''

Best is being treated in the intensive care unit at the private Cromwell Hospital, west London, after he suffered a lung infection.

Overnight his condition deteriorated and there is no longer anything doctors can do, Prof Williams said.

Clearly upset Prof Williams, who has been overseeing Best’s treatment, told reporters outside the hospital: “It’s the final stage of this illness and I am afraid he could die at any time over the next 24 hours.”

Best’s son Calum, 24, his father Dickie, 87, and other family members were at his bedside, but he was no longer conscious or aware of what was happening.

The former Manchester United and Northern Ireland star had a controversial liver transplant in 2002 after his existing liver failed following years of alcohol abuse.

Best, who ignored pleas to stay off the booze after the operation, was admitted to the hospital on October 1 suffering from a flu-like infection.

His health deteriorated rapidly when he developed a kidney infection but he then rallied and his condition was thought to be improving until the early hours of Friday when he suffered a severe setback.

He developed a lung infection and was put back on a ventilator in intensive care but remained alert.

However, his condition worsened again on Tuesday night.