Tributes pour in to giant of soccer

The world today paid tribute to the footballing genius of George Best as his death was announced at the age of just 59.

The news that the legendary star had succumbed to multiple organ failure just before 1pm at the Cromwell Hospital in west London prompted an outpouring of grief from fans, friends and family.

The Football League announced there would be a minute’s silence before all its games this weekend, while Celtic will stage a minute’s applause ahead of the Bank of Scotland Premier League game against Dunfermline tomorrow.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern described the player as “quite simply a football genius”, sentiments echoed by President Mary McAleese, who said: “George Best was a wonderfully gifted sportsman whose skills on the football field dazzled a generation of soccer fans.

“He will be remembered as one of the world’s finest football talents.”

British Prime Minister Tony Blair said: “We all know that George Best was probably the most naturally gifted footballer of his generation, one of the greatest footballers the UK has ever produced.”

Best’s second wife, Alex, said she would always miss the “love of my life”, adding in a statement: “George was the love of my life. He was a unique and talented person who made a lot of people very happy.

“I will always miss him.”

Best made 37 appearances and scored nine goals for his native Northern Ireland, and the Irish Football Association’s chief executive Howard Wells said: “This is a sad day for football. George was a complete one-off with a natural talent rarely seen since.”

He added: “He was the best I had ever seen.”

Belfast’s Lord Mayor, Wallace Browne, expressed his deepest sympathies to Best’s family on behalf of the people of Belfast, saying of the inspirational star: “I doubt we will ever see the likes of his talent again.”

Books of condolence will be opened at the FAI's headquarters in Dublin, the city hall in Belfast and at Manchester United for fans to honour the player.

In a statement, the club said: “George Best was one of the greatest footballers of all time.

“Naturally athletic, tough, confident and blessed with genius, his career was one of the brightest stars of its generation. His gifts were legendary.

“For the goals, the audacious dribbles and all the wonderful memories, Manchester United and its legions of fans worldwide will always be grateful.

“We feel a deep sense of loss but his spirit and his talent will live on forever.”

His footballing contemporaries also paid tribute to a man who was both a great footballer and a friend.

Bobby Charlton, a director at Old Trafford and a team-mate of Best’s during his time at the club, said: “Anyone that witnessed what George could do on the pitch wished they could do the same.

"He made an immense contribution to the game, and enriched the lives of everyone that saw him play. It is a very sad day.

“Football has lost one of its greats, and I have lost a dear friend. He was a marvellous person and my thoughts are now with his family.”

Harry Gregg, Best’s former team-mate at Old Trafford and for Northern Ireland, added: “I’m proud to say I knew him not just as a footballer and a team-mate but as a person and a friend.”

Former Red Devils star Alex Stepney said: “We’re going to miss him very, very much. I’m so, so sorry for all the family.

“He was a great pal of mine at United, a very unassuming lad, very kind and quiet and enjoyed company. He was an absolute genius.”

Gordon Taylor, head of the Professional Footballer’s Association, said Best was “one of the true legends of the game” and “a footballing pop star” during the heady era of the Beatles.

He added: “This feels like a loss for the whole of the football world and the general public as well.

"He was a part of everyone’s lives, not just on but off the pitch as well.”

Paul Gascoigne labelled Best “unbelievable” and a “phenomenal player”, while Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger spoke of Best’s “special charisma”, adding: “But he was so used to getting out of tricky situations you are in shock now he has died. You expected him to get out of it again.”

Former Arsenal goalkeeper Bob Wilson said: “He was a lovely guy. I don’t know how he remained as humble as he did in the world in which he lived, which was the goldfish bowl. He had stardust on him, absolute stardust.”

Portuguese legend Eusebio, perhaps Best’s most famous international adversary during his heyday in the 1960s, said: “The world of football has lost a great. Personally, I’ve lost a great old friend. I feel sorry for his family.

“At a moment like this we can remember how important this man was for British and world football.

"He was fabulous.”

But perhaps the words which summed up the feelings of everyone were voiced by Best’s emotional son Calum, who told reporters: “Not only have I lost my dad but we’ve all lost a wonderful man.”