Best 'very ill' but shows signs of improvement

Published on Sunday 30 October 2005 00:22

FORMER Manchester United star George Best was "continuing to make slow but steady improvement", a hospital spokesman said yesterday.

The football legend is attached to a ventilator in an intensive care ward, suffering from internal bleeding.

A spokesman for the Cromwell Hospital, where Best, 59, is being treated, said: "Mr Best is continuing to make slow but steady improvement but remains very ill in intensive care."

On Friday, one-time Scotland international striker Denis Law wept after visiting his former team-mate, while Manchester United club boss Sir Alex Ferguson said United supporters were "rooting" for him to pull through.

Law wiped away tears as he left the hospital in London and spoke of his shock at Best's condition.

"He is not good but he is fighting," he said. "The doctors are giving him the best treatment but he is seriously ill.

"He is still there and we have got to hope. We knew he was not well, this latest one is the most serious."

Sir Alex said: "Everyone at the club is praying for him. We hope he pulls through this recent dip in his health."

Best's condition deteriorated severely earlier this week after four weeks of hospital treatment for an infection. He was also visited by his son Calum.

Professor Roger Williams said a recent change in medication appeared to be proving effective and had reduced the former footballer's internal bleeding.

Yesterday he added: "I've been in touch with intensive care and George is OK. He is about the same."

His latest health problems are thought to be related to immuno-suppressant drugs he has been taking since he had a controversial liver transplant in 2002. The drugs are designed to stop the new organ being rejected.

The football legend has a well-documented history of alcoholism.

He caused anger when he embarked on a drinking binge within months of the transplant operation - despite vowing to stay dry.

Best had been told one more drink could kill him when he underwent the surgery in July 2002 and was criticised by a liver specialist for putting people off organ donation.

Williams oversaw Best's transplant. He added: "On the whole there has been a very definite improvement in his condition but he is still requiring a lot of care. He is better than yesterday."

Doctors have been able to reduce the amount of antibiotics given to Best since Thursday, but Williams said he expected him to remain in intensive care for another four to five days.

The former footballer had suffered "very severe diarrhoea", he added. "He's had a series of infections."