Early Life George Best was born May 22

Early Life • George Best was born May 22, 1946 in a council estate in East Belfast, Northern Ireland. • The oldest of four children, George would play soccer every day with his friends on the pavement in front of their modest homes. • The surface was too rough for a proper ball, so they made their own from rags.

Early Career � George Best was discovered in Belfast by Manchester United Scout Bob Bishop aged 15. � He was then 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.

Early Years � During his early years at Old Trafford, Best was a shy teenager who passed his free time in snooker halls. � However he later became known for his long hair, good looks and extravagant celebrity lifestyle

Career � Signed : 01 Aug 1963 � Debut : 14 Sept 1963 � Goals total : 179 � Appearances total : 470 � Position: Forward � Left United : 02 Jan 1974 � Regarded as a true football legend for his speed, balance, vision, superb close control and the ability to create chances and score from seemingly impossible situations

Ladies' man � Best married Angela Mac. Donald-Janes on 24 January 1978 in Las Vegas � Their son, Calum, was born in 1981 � They separated the following year and divorced in 1986 � He married Alex Pursey in 1995 in Kensington and Chelsea, London. They divorced in 2004; they had no children. � He is reported to have had two daughters by other women

Alcoholism �Best suffered from alcoholism for most of his adult life, leading to numerous controversies and, eventually, his death.

Problems with the Law � In one of his autobiographies Best admits that in 1981, while playing in the United States that he stole money from the handbag of a woman he did not know in order to fund a drinking session. � In 1984, Best received a threemonth prison sentence for drunk driving, assaulting a police officer � He then recieved another in 2004 and was banned from driving for 20 months. to e o h t n o g all t o ar t up ok b o d to. “ a g in he an ag g n n s er er b i t t i he ov h s e w ed d in r e nd an a w e h, a I le he h "W ac ilet y s be e to one th e m th

Health Problems � Best was diagnosed with severe liver damage in March 2000. � In August 2002, he had a successful liver transplant. � The transplant was performed on the NHS, a decision which was controversial due to Best's alcoholism. � The controversy started again in 2003 when he was seen openly drinking white wine spritzers.

Death � All these health problems did not stop him and he continued to drink � On 3 October 2005 Best was admitted to intensive care suffering from a kidney infection � On 27 October, newspapers stated that Best was close to death and had sent a farewell message to his loved ones.

’t “Don � On me! e k i l ie ” d 20 November the British tabloid News of the World published a picture of Best at his own request, showing him in his hospital bed, along with what was reported to be his final message: � "Don't die like me". Last Words

Tributes and Memory Outside Old Trafford Fans gathered outside his home Airport named after him

Famous Quotes y e n o ast m f f o d t lo s an a d t r i n e e, b p I s “I booz rest on s. The ed. ” r car ande squ

Remembered as a legend Murals in Belfast

Discussion � Would you like to be famous? Why/why not? � What do you think would be the hardest part of being famous? � Can you think of any other examples of celebrities who have been really famous and have ended up ill/dead due to their lifestyle? � In your opinion why do so many celebrities turn to alcohol and drugs? � Do you think it is better to become famous when you are young or a little older? Why?