Share

George Best in quotes

London - November 25, marks 10 years since the death of George Best, the charismatic former Manchester United and Northern Ireland winger who won the Ballon d'Or in 1968.

A quick, brave and dazzlingly skilful player, Best was renowned for his playboy lifestyle away from football and died aged 59 in November 2005 following a long struggle with alcoholism.

He was honoured in May 2008 when a statue of Best, Bobby Charlton and Denis Law - United's 'Holy Trinity' - was unveiled outside Old Trafford.

Here's a rounds up a collection of quotes that capture Best's on-pitch genius and off-pitch extravagance.

In his own words: 

"I spent a lot of money on booze, birds (women) and fast cars. The rest I just squandered."

"If I'd been born ugly, you'd never have heard of Pele."

"I used to dream about taking the ball round the keeper, stopping it on the line and then getting on my hands and knees and heading it into the net. When I scored against Benfica in the 1968 European Cup final I nearly did it. I left the keeper for dead, but then I chickened out. I might have given the boss a heart attack!"

"I used to go missing a lot - Miss Canada, Miss United Kingdom, Miss World..."

"In 1969 I gave up women and alcohol. It was the worst 20 minutes of my life."

"I was born with a great gift, and sometimes with that comes a destructive streak. Just as I wanted to outdo everyone when I played, I had to outdo everyone when we were out on the town."

On David Beckham: "He can't kick with his left foot, he can't head a ball, he can't tackle and he doesn't score many goals. Apart from that he's all right."

"They'll forget all the rubbish when I've gone and they'll remember the football. If only one person thinks I'm the best player in the world, that's good enough for me."

What they said about him:

Telegram sent to United manager Matt Busby by the club's scout Bob Bishop, who spotted Best playing on Belfast's Cregagh estate: "I think I've found you a genius."

Former Manchester City manager Joe Mercer:"It seems impossible to hurt him. All manner of men have tried to intimidate him. Best merely glides along, riding tackles and brushing giants aside like leaves."

Roy Fairfax, who marked Best when he scored six goals in an FA Cup win against Northampton Town in 1970:"The closest I got to him was when we shook hands at the end of the game."

Former Northern Ireland captain Danny Blanchflower: "He has ice in his veins, warmth in his heart and timing and balance in his feet."

Old Trafford banner from Best's heyday: "MARADONA GOOD; PELE BETTER; GEORGE BEST"

Franz Beckenbauer: "George Best was one of the most talented players of all time and probably the best footballer who never made it to a major world final."

Diego Maradona: "George inspired me when I was young. He was flamboyant and exciting and able to inspire his team-mates. I actually think we were very similar players - dribblers who were able to create moments of magic."

Former United manager Matt Busby: "We had our problems with the wee fella, but I prefer to remember his genius."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE