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In 1968, he won the European Cup with Manchester United, and was named the European Footballer of the Year. In speaking to Man Utd TV in late 2005, Sir Bobby Charlton described Best's impact on the 1960s as "sensational". Indeed, Brazilian Pelé, often said to be the greatest player of all time, once called Best "the greatest footballer in the world". The great Diego Maradona regarded Best equally highly. Best's brilliance is often summed up in one sentence: Maradona good, Pelé better, George Best. On 15 May 1971, Best scored the cheekiest and possibly his most famous "goal" of his career at Windsor Park in Belfast against England. As Gordon Banks, the English goalkeeper, released the ball in the air in order to kick the ball downfield, Best managed to kick the ball first, which sent the ball high over their heads and heading towards the open goal. The famous duo scrambled towards the net but Best outpaced Banks and headed the ball into the empty goal. His effort was disallowed for ungentlemanly conduct by a referee whose back had been turned away from the incident.
Best continued to be selected for Northern Ireland throughout the 1970s, despite his fluctuating form and off pitch problems. There were still glimpses of his genius; in 1976, Northern Ireland were drawn against Holland in Rotterdam as one of their group qualifying matches for the 1978 FIFA World Cup. Holland - midway between successive World Cup final appearances - and Johan Cruyff were at their peak at the time. Five minutes into the game Best received the ball wide on the left. Instead of heading towards goal he turned directly infield, weaved his way past at least three Dutchmen and found his way to Cruyff who was wide right. Best took the ball to his opponent, dipped a shoulder twice and slipped it between Cruyff's feet - nutmegging arguably the best player in the world at that time. Best was considered briefly by manager Billy Bingham for the 1982 World Cup. However, at 36 and with his football skills dulled by age and drink, he was not selected in the Northern Ireland squad.
Honours
Football careerAt the age of 15, Best was discovered in Belfast by Manchester United scout Bob Bishop, whose telegram to United manager Sir Matt Busby read: "I have found a genius". His local club Glentoran had previously rejected him for being "too small and light". Best was subsequently given a trial and signed up by chief scout Joe Armstrong in 1961. He turned professional and made his debut for Manchester United in 1963 against West Bromwich Albion at Old Trafford. He became world-famous at the age of eighteen when he scored three goals in a European Cup match against Benfica in 1966, and scored in United's European Cup final win against the same club in 1968.He made 466 appearances for Manchester United in all competitions, scoring 178 goals (including six in one game against Northampton Town). Best was  United's top scorer for six consecutive seasons. During this run he also topped the first division scoring charts in 1967-68 with 28 goals, remarkable for a player who was not an out-and-out striker. In 1974, the 27-year-old Best was sacked by United for excessive drinking and persistent failure to attend training sessions and matches. His last competitive game for the club was on 1 January 1974 against Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road.His 'second team' after Manchester United is often considered to be Fulham F.C. (though he did play 9 more games at San Jose Earthquakes (NASL team) in the twilight of his career). Best had made a return to England after 'retiring' to the USA and still had his amazing skills, though he had lost his pace slightly. Best scored some amazing goals for The Cottagers and is particularly remember for tackling his 'old drinking mate' Rodney Marsh in a FA Cup game against Hereford United (despite both being on the same team!). Best stated later in life, that he enjoyed his time most while at Fulham F.C. despite not winning any honours.
Over the next decade, Best drifted between several football clubs including spells in America, Scotland and Australia. He played for three clubs in America: Los Angeles Aztecs, Fort Lauderdale Strikers and San Jose Earthquakes (NASL team); he also played for the Detroit Express on an European tour. At San Jose Earthquakes, the club was owned by Milan Mandaric with whom George developed a close relationship over the years. Throughout 2004 George was often seen with Milan at the club he ran, Portsmouth FC. In 1983 George finally retired from the game, at the age of 37. His last games as a professional were with third division A.F.C. Bournemouth. Read about George's greatest Matches as listed in the Sporting Legends Magazine.
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Football men on BestThere are times when you want to wring his neck. He hangs on to the ball when players have found better positions. Then out of the blue he wins you the match, and you know you're in the presence of someone special. He has ice in his veins, warmth in his heart and timing and balance in his feet. It seems impossible to hurt him. All manner of men have tried to intimidate him. Best merely glides along, riding tackles and brushing giants aside like leaves. We had our problems with the wee fella, but I prefer to remember his genius. One of the few fellas I know that does the Times crossword. I don't want to end up like him. If I was reincarnated, I'd like to come back as Bestie because he was a genius and had all them women and drank all that wine. It wasn't "George Best opens a supermarket", or "George Best goes with his little baby to a birthday party", it was "George Best smashes his Jaguar through the window of Harrods." Graham Williams, West Bromwich Albion full-back: Will you stand still for a minute so I can look at your face? Some of George's own quotes: http://www.amusingquotes.com/h/b/George_Best_1.htm http://thinkexist.com/quotes/george_best/ CelebrityBest promoted Cookstown Sausages in commercials on Ulster Television, and print advertisements in the local press.While at Manchester United, Best's talent and showmanship made him a crowd and media favourite. He was dubbed "the fifth Beatle" for his long hair and looks. Best opened two nightclubs in Manchester, in the late 1960s, Oscar's and the other called Slack Alice's (which later became 42nd Street Nightclub). He also owned fashion boutiques, in partnership with Mike Summerbee of Manchester City. He also opened "Bestie's Beach Club" (now called "The Underground" after the London subway system) in Hermosa Beach, California U.S.A. and lived in the city throughout the 1970's, 80'sand 90's. He was able to achieve some "treasured anonymity" there. British group The Fall, fronted by Mark E. Smith, mentioned Best in their 1983 football-themed single, "Kicker Conspiracy," with the line: "In the Blues Club/ George Best does rule," in reference to Best's popularity even amongst Manchester City (the "Blues") fans. Smith has said that even though he is a City fan, he often went with mates to watch United just so he could see Best play. In 1984, Best made a fitness video with Mary Stavin called Shape Up And Dance.
Indie group The Wedding Present's 1987 debut album was titled George Best and featured him on the cover. The Belfast Oi Punk band Runnin' Riot have a song titled "Alcoholic Heroes" written about George Best.
George was the subject of many books and wrote his life story a number of times. "The Good, The Bad and The Bubbly" co-written with Ross Benson was the first to touch on his alcoholism but it was "Blessed" and "Scoring At Half Time" written with Roy Collins and Martin Knight respectively shortly before his death where he revealed most about himself. A picture of George is seen on the front cover of the 1994 album Definitely Maybe by Oasis. This is mainly due to the fact that then rhythm guitarist Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs was a Manchester United fan.
Best was very witty and is notable for many famous quotes and soundbites he made, including:
FamilyThe eldest child of Dickie and Anne, Best was brother to Carol, Barbara, Julie, Grace and Ian.Best was married twice:
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Our George: A Family Memoir of George Best" written by Barbara Best (Georges sister) depicts a story everyone thinks they know...about the young boy from the back streets of Belfast who grew up to be the most famous footballer in the world...
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George Best (22 May 1946 – 25 November 2005) played for Northern Ireland, widely acknowledged to have been one of the greatest football players of all time and best known for his years with Manchester United. He played for the 
