George Best will go down as one of the most gifted and talented players ever to grace the beautiful game. His time for Manchester United in particular captured the imagination, as the Northern Irish attacker showcased
extraordinary individual skill and played his part in European and domestic triumph for the Old Trafford outfit. He is also described by the national team\'s governing body, the Irish Football Association, as the \"greatest player to ever pull on the green shirt of Northern Ireland\".

What they said about the great man:

• *“I think I’ve found you a genius.” The telegram sent to Sir Matt Busby by scout Bob Bishop, who discovered 15-year-old George Best playing for Cregagh Boys Club in Belfast.

“George was gifted with more individual ability that I had ever seen in a player. When you remember great names like Matthews and Finney, I can’t think of one who took the ball so close to an opponent to beat him with it as Best did.”
Sir Matt Busby

“Manchester United’s glorious historyhas been created by people like George Best. Anyone that witnessed what George could do on the pitch wished they could do the same. He made an immense contribution to the game, and enriched he lives of everyone that saw him play.”
Sir Bobby Charlton

“You think of Maradona, and you think of di Stefano and Puskas in my day. There have been many great players but Bestie as definitely up there. He will be remembered for all the magnificent ability that he had and he was definitely one on his own.”
Denis Law

“George was unique, the greatest talentour football has ever produced, easily. Look at his scoring record – 137 in 361 league games, and a total of 179 in 466 United matches. That’s phenomenal for a man who didn’t not get his share of gift goals thatcome to specialist strikers. George nearly always had to beat men to score.”
Sir Alex Ferguson

“George inspired me when I was young. He was flamboyant and exciting – I think we were very similar
players – dribblers who create moments of magic.”
Diego Maradona

“George Best was the best player in theworld, not just England, and a good friend of mine. When he played against Benfica in 1966 in Lisbon… we lost 5-1 and George was spectacular, a genius.”
Eusebio

“What he had was unique. You can’t coach it… it was a short career but if you go back to the basic qualities, he was exceptional.”
Johan Cruyff

“George Best was simply one of the most talented players of all-time.”
Franz Beckenbauer

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

Honours:

Manchester United

FA Youth Cup (1): 1964

Football League First Division (2): 1964–65 & 1966–67

Charity Shield (2): 1965, 1967

European Cup (1): 1968

Individual

FWA Footballer of the Year (1): 1967–68

Ballon d'Or (1): 1968

Ballon d'Or Third place (1): 1971

PFA Team of the Year Second Division (1): 1977

Honorary doctorate from Queen's University Belfast: 2001

Freeman of Castlereagh: 2002

Inaugural inductee into the English Football Hall of Fame: 2002

UEFA Golden Jubilee Poll: 2004

FIFA 100: 2004

PFA Merit Award: 2006

PFA England League Team of the Century (1907 to 2007): 2007

FWA Tribute Award: 2007

European Hall of Fame (Player): 2008

**

Memorials:

Belfast City Airport was renamed George Best Belfast City Airport as a tribute to Best. The official new name and signage was unveiled to a gathering of the Best family and friends at the airport on 22 May2006, which would have been his 60th birthday.**

In March 2006, airline Flybe, named a Dash 8 (Q400) plane The George Best.

In June 2006, Sarah Fabergé, great-granddaughter of Russian Imperial Jeweller Peter Carl Fabergé was
commissioned to create the George Best Egg, in tribute. A strictly limited edition of 68 eggs were produced, with all profits from the sale of the eggs going to the George Best Foundation, which promotes health through sport and supports people with alcohol and drug problems.

For the first anniversary of his death, Ulster Bank issued one million commemorative five pound notes.The notes sold out in fivedays. The notes sold on the online auction site eBay for up to £30.

absolute legend. Played like Messi during his time

The kind of players i admire, his dribling skills were perfect.

Didn't Pele send him a signed ball saying: "To the best player in the world"...?

Maradona good. Pele better. George Best. #Legend

Best striker to grace the field. Watched his documentary a few months ago. Amazing.

Hes a amazing legend yes , but Di Stefano was way better than him back then..

I think George Best was one of the best players to ever grace a field, and that is being conservative. What a wonderful player who's career was shorter than it should've been due to his demons. But he wasn't just a beautiful player... he was an entertainer. That rare kind you see once or twice a generation if you're lucky.
For those who don't know... you should read up about his story. It is both fascinating and sad.

It would of been such an honor if he had ever played for us during his time.

#Respect

@Footaholic

Here it is. A short documentary on George's story. It's made by SkySports, so all of you should be well entertained watching this.