Blessed

George Best needs little introduction. A legend in his own lifetime, he is undoubtedly the greatest footballer the UK has ever produced. Blessed with an extraordinary gift he brought a beauty and grace to the game never before seen. But Best was unable to cope with the success and fame his football genius brought. His fabled story is littered with tales of women and sex and, of course, alcohol.

Much has been written about Best, but very little substantiated by the man himself. That is until George Best opened his heart and engaged us in one of the most exhilarating life stories for years, Blessed. In his own words George recounts the halcyon days at Manchester United, the big games and European Cup win of '68. And then there's the heartbreaking truth about the death of his mother and his struggles with alcohol that forced him to face up to a life without drink.

Blessed reveals the man behind the up-for-a-laugh, boozy, womanizing stereotype that had dogged George Best for so long. Open and honest about his mistakes, George is also incredibly candid about his triumphs, his regrets, and, only three years before his death, what he had hoped for the future.

About the Authors

George Best was one of the finest football players in British history and the Irish Football Association calls him the "greatest player to ever pull on the green shirt of Northern Ireland." Born and raised in Belfast, Best was scouted by Manchester United at age 15 and made his debut at 17. He played over 400 games and scored over 150 goals for the club before quitting the team and beginning a journeyman second half to his career, playing at 14 different clubs in more than 5 countries over the next 10 years. After retirement, he struggled with alcoholism and financial issues. He died from liver complications at age 59 in 2005, memorialised by thousands at his funeral and his home city's airport being renamed in his honour.

Co-author Roy Collins has been a sports columnist for over 16 years and is a personal friend of George Best. He was a chief sports writer on Today for ten years followed by the People Sport, and currently the Guardian and Sunday Telegraph.