Manchester United has led the tributes to the club's biggest legend, George Best, who died shortly before 1pm today.
A statement from 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," the statement said.
"We feel a deep sense of loss but his spirit and his talent will live on forever."
Sir Bobby Charlton, a director at Old Trafford and a team-mate of Best's during his time at the club, said: "Manchester United's glorious history has been created by people like George Best.
"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."
The club will open a book of condolence tomorrow morning at Old Trafford.
Best's second wife Alex, said she would always miss the football legend.
In a statement she said: "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." The couple married in 1995 and divorced in 2004.
British prime minister Tony Blair, attending a summit in Malta, described Best as "probably the most naturally gifted footballer of his generation and one of the best footballers our country has produced".
Soccer authorities said a minute's silence would be observed at English league matches this weekend as a mark of respect.
