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George Best 1946-2005

The soccer world is in mourning after the death of George Best.

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For those who don't know, George Best was the UK version of Mickey Mantle: a huge star playing for the biggest club (Manchester United) with a playboy image and, unfortunately, an unhealthy appetite for alcohol. "I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars," he once said. "The rest I just squandered."

Dubbed "the Fifth Beatle" because of his popularity and mop-top haircut, he received 10,000 fan letters per week at the height of his fame. In 1968 he led United to the European Cup, the first UK club to win it, and also won European Player of the Year. Pele once called him the finest player he had ever seen.

Alcohol proved to be Best's undoing. In 2002 he received a liver transplant, but returned to drinking a short time later. Dead at age 59, Best is survived by his son Calum.

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