SBC: 'We Owe Our History To Best'

Sir Bobby Charlton: '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.'


Prime Minister Tony Blair added to the tributes, saying: 'We all know that George Best was probably the most naturally gifted footballer of his generation, one of the greatest footballers the UK has ever produced.'

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes the world did not see the best of Best. He said: 'I have not great [memories] of Best at that time, as I did not have access to TV. But I saw flashes and read a lot about him when I was a kid. What is amazing when you look back is that he stopped at 28. The best years of his career should have come from 28 to 32. You can't believe a player in the world stopping now - it would be like Thierry [Henry] stopping now.'

Former Manchester United star David Beckham said: 'As a Manchester United fan I always saw George Best as a football legend and it was a proud moment for me when I wore the same number seven shirt as him.

'He is one of the greatest players to have ever graced the game and a great person as well. My thoughts are with his family at this time.'