Soccer legend Best's condition slightly improved
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2005-10-28 20:34

Football legend George Best's condition has slightly improved but he remains on a ventilator, his consultant said on Friday.

Professor Roger Williams said Best was still "a very sick man" but a change in medication overnight proved positive.

"He is a little better. We are pleased at the progress he has made. But there is still a long way to go," he said.

The ex-Manchester United and Northern Ireland star was admitted to Cromwell Hospital in London four weeks ago, suffering flu-like symptoms.

Best, who had a liver transplant in 2002, remains unconscious.

The procedure three years ago followed the former footballer's long struggle with alcohol addiction.

It had been revealed that Best was suffering from bleeding from the bowel.

But on Friday morning Professor Williams told journalists: "He is a little better... definitely a little better. All of his measurements are somewhat improved.

"I think the bleeding is a little less. It certainly has been less overnight.

"All in all, we are at least pleased with what progress he has made. Obviously there is a long way to go, and who knows what will happen over the next 24 hours."

The improvement was attributed a change in antibiotics and the way the blood loss was treated overnight.

Doctors plan to continue the new approach.

But Prof Williams was quick to express a note of caution.

"I don't want to go too far or raise too many hopes, but he is a little better than he was last night and naturally we think it is a result of the treatment," he said.

"It is small improvement, but nevertheless it is encouraging to see it.

"We go on treating day by day. He is a very sick man."

Prof Williams has said the problems were not directly linked to Best's replacement liver, which was functioning well.

But he has previously said Best is more susceptible to illness due to medication to suppress the immune system and prevent his body rejecting the liver.

Best's agent, Phil Hughes, brought him to Cromwell Hospital earlier this month to be treated for flu-like symptoms including shortness of breath.

The ex-footballer developed a kidney infection and has not left the hospital since. He was admitted to intensive care.

Best was arguably the most naturally gifted British footballer of his generation.

He made his professional debut for Manchester United in 1963, aged 17, and helped the club become the first English side to lift the European Cup, in 1968.

He was voted both English and European Footballer of the Year that season and also won 37 caps for Northern Ireland.