AWAKE & DREAMING: RIP George Best

The sporting world is mourning the death of former Northern Ireland & Manchester United legend George Best, who had been ill for several weeks now. Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland on 22nd May 1946 he was capped 37 caps for Northern Ireland and scored 137 goals for Manchester United and 10 for Northern Ireland. He was the original Number 7 (the number that David Beckham was famous for wearing at United) and was considered the first glamourous superstar of the sport. He was part of the highly talented lineup for ManU, along with Bobby Charlton & Denis Law, which won the European Cup (now Champions League) in 1968. He also played for Stockport County, Cork Celtics, Dunstable Town, Los Angeles Aztecs, Fulham, Fort Lauderdale Strikers, Hibernian, San Jose Earthquakes, Bournemouth, Brisbane Lions. Upon his death his former opponents & friends alike paid glorious tributes to the Irish legend. In a moving intreview shown on CNN & the BBC, Portuguese footballing icon Eusebio was not stingy in a sort of eulogy to his friend. Eusebio, who along with his beloved Benfica were on the reciveing end of the 1968 European Cup defeat against Best's United, said that he (Best) was clearly one of the most talented footballer & sportmen of all time and that he would miss him. Pele also spoke some words on George's death and he also praised his footballing abilities.

He was awarded the Football Writers' Player of the Year (1968) & was European Player of the Year (1968). However his playboy image & partying got the better of him and wasted a huge talent. For a man who is considered by many critics & fans alike to be the most talented player to come out of the British Isles, his love for the drink hit him more hard than any tackle. He initially turned away from ManU & retired from football in 1972 and again in 1974 - this time for good. Fast cars, women & alchohol ruled his world and if not for those he would have an even more illustrious carreer. He even tried his hand at commentating but that was a disatorous venture and even Best made fun of his efforts. He was recently hospitalised due ti illness brought on by the effects of his hard living lifestyle. From the 80s & 90s onwards, footballers have shunned the old lifestyle of drinking after games (sometimes even bar-hopping) that was so much the routine of the English game. However back in George's days, it was not so. He so much epitomised the Swinging 60s' sort of lifestyle and was glamourised in tabloids across Europe. Now that lifestyle has caught up with him. May he rest in peace.