Former soccer star George Best was today fighting for survival on a life support machine, the hospital where he is being treated said.
Best, 59, was placed on the machine last night after his condition deteriorated in Cromwell Hospital, west London.
It was revealed that Best is suffering from a lung infection.
The news came after Best's doctor, Professor Roger Williams, said yesterday that the ex-Manchester United and Northern Ireland footballer had suffered a "big setback" in his battle to recover from illness brought on by years of alcohol abuse.
Best was admitted to the hospital with an infection last month but, until recently, his condition had been improving.
Today Jeffrey Brandon, press officer for Cromwell Hospital, told waiting reporters: "Mr Best remains seriously ill in intensive care on a life support machine.
"As of yesterday morning he wasn't on a life support machine. He was put on it some time last night or yesterday evening after his condition worsened during the day from the morning to the evening.
"The reason he was brought back into intensive care was with a lung infection. He is serious."
Asked about press reports today that Best 's weight has fallen to just six stones, Mr Brandon said: "You will appreciate that someone who has been seriously ill their weight will certainly have dropped."
Asked whether Best was able to eat normally, Mr Brandon said: "I would imagine he is on a drip."
PA