On this day 18 years ago, George Best passed away in London’s Cromwell Hospital.
The Manchester United legend’s hell-raising days were over, but his memory would live on for thousands of Red Devils supporters, and just about anyone of a certain age with a passing interest in the beautiful game.
Long before Zinedine Zidane, Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo came the aptly-named Best.
Part of the United Holy Trinity that included Sir Bobby Charlton and Dennis Law, Best’s skills on the boggy pitches of yesteryear had to be seen to be believed.
South America had Pelé whilst English crowds would delight and marvel at the player who would be known as El Beatle for his disarmingly good looks, charm and sensational skill.
Sadly for Best and for football in general, the good times he had outside of playing began to take their toll on him, and he eventually descended into a life of alcoholism which ended up causing his death.
Thankfully, there are enough memories of the great nights had at Old Trafford and elsewhere for his legend to remain.
The statue outside of the Theatre of Dreams is a permanent reminder of the brilliance of Best and his colleagues too.
May he continue to rest in peace.