Best's condition 'deteriorates'
Football legend George Best's condition has "deteriorated dramatically", his former wife Alex said.
The ex-Manchester United and Northern Ireland star has spent three weeks in intensive care at London's Cromwell Hospital, with an infection.
His surgeon Roger Williams confirmed his condition had deteriorated but was not life threatening at the moment. He said the next few days were crucial.
Best, 59, had a liver transplant in 2002 following drinking problems.
He was admitted to the Cromwell Hospital with flu-like symptoms and developed a kidney infection.
His ex-wife Alex Best said: "I have been told that George's condition has deteriorated dramatically during today.
"I am just praying that, once again, he somehow manages to pull through against all the odds. My thoughts and prayers are with him."
Earlier this week, Best's agent Phil Hughes said the former player was "doing very well" and his condition had improved.
But on Wednesday it appeared his condition had changed. It was understood he was suffering from internal bleeding and was on life support.
'Fighting for life'
Professor Williams, who is in charge of the former footballer's care, told the Sun newspaper that Best was "certainly severely ill and is fighting for his life."
The professor also told the newspaper he had not traced the cause of the bleeding.
"We are not giving up. There's still a chance we can get him through this," he added.
When Best was admitted to the hospital, Professor Williams said that prescribed drugs needed after his transplant, rather than alcohol abuse, were the cause of his illness.
He said the ex-footballer had become more susceptible to infections after a course of medication to suppress the immune system and prevent his body rejecting the new liver.
And Mr Hughes said his client had been "off the drink" before being admitted to the hospital.
Story from BBC NEWS:
Published: 2005/10/26 22:18:02 GMT
© BBC MMV
Football legend George Best's condition has "deteriorated dramatically", his former wife Alex said.
The ex-Manchester United and Northern Ireland star has spent three weeks in intensive care at London's Cromwell Hospital, with an infection.
His surgeon Roger Williams confirmed his condition had deteriorated but was not life threatening at the moment. He said the next few days were crucial.
Best, 59, had a liver transplant in 2002 following drinking problems.
He was admitted to the Cromwell Hospital with flu-like symptoms and developed a kidney infection.
His ex-wife Alex Best said: "I have been told that George's condition has deteriorated dramatically during today.
"I am just praying that, once again, he somehow manages to pull through against all the odds. My thoughts and prayers are with him."
Earlier this week, Best's agent Phil Hughes said the former player was "doing very well" and his condition had improved.
But on Wednesday it appeared his condition had changed. It was understood he was suffering from internal bleeding and was on life support.
'Fighting for life'
Professor Williams, who is in charge of the former footballer's care, told the Sun newspaper that Best was "certainly severely ill and is fighting for his life."
The professor also told the newspaper he had not traced the cause of the bleeding.
"We are not giving up. There's still a chance we can get him through this," he added.
When Best was admitted to the hospital, Professor Williams said that prescribed drugs needed after his transplant, rather than alcohol abuse, were the cause of his illness.
He said the ex-footballer had become more susceptible to infections after a course of medication to suppress the immune system and prevent his body rejecting the new liver.
And Mr Hughes said his client had been "off the drink" before being admitted to the hospital.
Story from BBC NEWS:
Published: 2005/10/26 22:18:02 GMT
© BBC MMV
