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Tribute to Football Legend George Best

Nigel TandyNovember 28, 2005

Manchester United and Northern Ireland star dies aged 59

https://p.dw.com/p/7VGs
1969 file photo of Manchester United and Northern Ireland soccer legend George Best.Image: AP

Football great George Best will be buried Saturday in his native Belfast in a ceremony expected to attract more than 100,000 mourners. The former Manchester United and Northern Ireland star died Friday in a London hospital after decades of alcohol abuse. He was 59. The British government granted permission for the funeral service to take place in the Grand Hall of Stormont Parliamentary Building, the center of power in this British territory, while crowds outside will be able to follow the ceremony relayed by loudspeakers.

George Best
George Best, the dazzling football icon of the 1960s and 70sImage: AP

Northern Ireland sports minister David Hanson has said it is possible a proposed new stadium in Belfast could be named after the late George Best.

"The people of Northern Ireland and people throughout the United Kingdom want to celebrate George's life in a positive way. He has been one of the greatest footballers that ever lived. He has brought much glory, pleasure and joy to people throughout the world," said Hanson.

Plans are in the pipeline for a 42,500 stadium to be built on
the site of the former Maze prison and become the base for the province's football, rugby and gaelic sports teams.

George Best
George Best sits on the beach at Marbella, Spain, in this 1972 file photo. Best, the dazzling soccer icon of the 1960s and 70s who reveled in a hard-drinking playboy lifestyle.Image: AP

Hanson would like the project to be complete in time for the
2012 London Olympics.

Best, widely regarded as one of football's greatest players,
died of multiple organ failure induced by the effects of alcoholism in a London hospital.

Flowers, scarves, flags and cards have been building up outside Dickie Best's home, while fans have also left tributes at Belfast's Windsor Park where Northern Ireland traditionally play their home matches.