(File photo)

    LONDON, Nov. 25 (Xinhuanet) -- Former Manchester United soccer legend George Best died at 59 on Friday, a hospital spokesman said.

    Northern Ireland's Best, who was considered widely Britain's most talented footballer ever, had been in the Crommwell Hospital in west London since the beginning of October after suffering froma flu-like infection.

    A statement from the hospital said that Best passed away "aftera long and very valiant fight."

    Best had an alcohol problem for much of his adult life and underwent a liver transplant in 2002 after years of heavy drinking. Enditem