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November 25, 2005
Remembering The Best...
Every newspaper headline in London today read some variant of the same line: Football Legend Dead. It did not need to read George Best (though some did), as most knew to immedialey associate Football Legend with the name.
Learing to dribble with tennis balls on the streets of Belfast, N. Ireland, Best's 'genius' was quickly revealed. At aged 17 he began what would be a short 11 season career with Manchester United in which his talent for the game left Pele to remark, "He is the best football player in the world." After retirement, Best was asked what it meant to be considered amongst the greatest athletes in the world of all time. He responded, "It just means I don't have to try as hard to be better than everyone else." His relentless confidence (a 'healthy arrogance' I think) made him a striker who probably did not surprise himself after scoring six goals in one match.
Outside the glamour of football, Best lived a life of distraction and bad judgement. Instant stardom at age 17 led him a few years later to comment, "I spent a lot of money on birds, fast cars and women. The rest I just squandered." Unsuccessful botique endevors and night clubs alongside a drinking problem gave Best less than pleasant (and sometimes less than true) headlines in the paper. By age 27, he called it quits, and would never reach his prime.
He is remembered as a Great--despite a troublesome life outside football--with perhaps the most startling thing about him, he attained this status without ever reaching his prime.
George Best, 1946-2005.
Posted by ami6 at November 25, 2005 02:48 PM
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