'George is tough. He has not given up and nor have we'

The footballer, who has battled with alcoholism, has developed a second serious problem since he was admitted to intensive care at the beginning of the month.

…But last night doctors said he had "developed a problem". It is believed that he suffered internal bleeding and was unconscious for a while. Best's liver surgeon, Roger Williams, professor of hepatology at UCL, said rumours of the seriousness of Best's condition had been exaggerated.

"He has had a medical problem for the past few days that is causing concern," he said. "He has been seriously ill and while he was picking up well he developed a problem on Thursday of last week which we are struggling with.

"But he's a tough person who does not give up easily. He is still in intensive care and will be while we are struggling with this problem. He has not given up and nor have we. There is a chance we can get him through this."

Richard Alleyne, Duncan Gardham and Celia Hall 'The Daily Telegraph', 27 October 2005