Soccer legend George Best could die "at any time" and is not expected to survive another 24 hours, the doctor treating him said today.
Best in action in 1970
An emotional Prof Roger Williams told reporters outside Cromwell Hospital in west London that Best was "coming to the end of the long road of his ill health".
"The situation is, medically, the intensive care and everybody concerned have managed to cope with . . .
pretty well all the complications except the one that's happened again during the night," he said.
He said persistent bleeding had reoccured during the night and now affected Best's lungs and other parts of his body.
"There is really no return from that situation," Prof Williams said, adding Best could die "at any time".
"I would be very suprised if he survives another 24 hours," he added. "His hours are numbered now, and it's all very upsetting."
The Belfast man's condition improved slightly earlier this week when he partly regained consciousness and was able to move his head and eyes. However, he was put back on a vetilator on Tuesday night.
Best pictured last year
The former Manchester United and Northern Ireland star was in the intensive care in the west London hospital after he suffered a severe setback and a lung infection. He was initially admitted to hospital after having a reaction to the treatment he was receiving for his new liver and then suffered internal bleeding linked to a bowel infection.
Best's father, Dickie (87), son Calum (24) and several of his sisters are at his bedside. After weeks of illness, Best's health deteriorated significantly last Friday after he developed a lung infection.
He has had an alcohol problem for much of his adult life and underwent a liver transplant in 2002 after years of heavy drinking.
He famously said: "I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered."
Arguably the greatest player of his generation, he made his debut for Manchester United in 1963 at the age of 17. He retired from top-level football at the age of 26 in 1972 and finally hung up his boots in 1983.
