Maradona good; Pelé better; George Best- 15 Quotes Which Define a Legend

Despite all the demons that haunted him off it, there is no questioning George Best’s ability on the football pitch.

Truly one of the all-time greats at the club, George was blessed with a rare talent which was his amazing ability to make other people smile through the way he played the game that we all know and love.

On the 6th Anniversary of his death, we’d like to pay tribute to George and look at some quotes which describe him better than any words we could create.

GEORGE BEST
(1946-2005)

Man United debut at 17 years, 4 months
361 Games, 137 Goals for United
Won 2 League titles
European Cup Winner 1968
37 caps, 9 goals for NI
Effectively retired at 28
  11 seasons in the top flight

Bob Bishop

“I think I’ve found you a genius.”

Sir Matt

“Whenever possible, give the ball to George Best.”

Ray Fairfax

“The closest I got to him was when we shook hands at the end of the game.”

Pat Crerand

“Shellito was taken off suffering from twisted blood!”

Norman Whiteisde

“The only thing I have in common with George Best is that we come from the same place, play for the same club and were discovered by the same man.”

Sir Matt Bubsy

“He was able to use either foot – sometimes he seemed to have six.”

Jonny Giles

“He had the lot: balance, pace, two good feet, he was brave, strong and a good header of the ball. Pele wasn’t as gifted as George Best and I would definitely put George above Johan Cruyff because he had more heart.”

Denis Law

“From 1964 to 1969 he was the best player in the country.”

Pat Jennings

“George was not only a fantastic player, to me he was also a fantastic bloke.”

Pele

“George Best was the greatest player in the world.”

Eric Cantona

“I’d give all the Champagne I’ve ever drunk to be playing alongside him in a big European match at Old Trafford… After his first training session in heaven, George Best, from his favourite right wing, turned the head of God who was filling in at left-back.”

David Beckham

“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.”

Tony Blair

“He was probably the most naturally gifted footballer of his generation, one of the greatest footballers the UK has ever produced. Anyone who has seen him as a football fan will never forget it.”

Sir Alex

“He was a fantastic player. Everybody at United regarded George as being one of the greatest of all time.”