LONDON - George Best, one of the finest footballers in the history of the game, remains desperately ill on a life support machine but is still "hanging in there," his doctor said.
Professor Roger Williams said Best was critical and that that the 59-year-old needed to show signs of improvement if he was to survive his latest illness.
The former Manchester United player, who has been in hospital since the beginning of October, underwent a liver transplant after years of heavy drinking.
"He is still hanging in there," Williams told reporters outside the Cromwell Hospital in London.
"But he's a desperately ill man. We need to see some improvement otherwise he can't survive day after day after day."
Williams said there had not been any major deterioration and that Best remained stable in intensive care.
Best's family have remained at his bedside since he was re-admitted to intensive care on Friday.
The 1968 European Footballer of the Year has had an alcohol problem for much of his adult life.
A former Northern Ireland international, he was initially admitted to hospital after having a reaction to the treatment he was receiving for his new liver and then suffered internal bleeding linked to a bowel infection.
- REUTERS
Soccer: Best still critical but 'hanging in there'
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