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NORTHERN Ireland icon George Best is surrounded by family and close friends at the Cromwell Hospital in London, England.

The soccer legend has been in hospital since the beginning of October.  After spending weeks in Intensive Care he appeared to rally, but has subsequently succumbed to an infection which has caused internal bleeding.

His surgeon, Professor Roger Williams, who performed George’s liver transplant in 2002, has confirmed that he has only hours left to live.

Just two weeks ago George’s father Dickie was a guest at the IFA’s 125^th anniversary dinner at Belfast City Hall, where speakers praised the player’s incredible natural talent and sent good wishes for his recovery.

Irish Football Association President Jim Boyce, currently in Brussels on football business, says:  “I am sure I speak on behalf of all football loving fans, not only inNorthern Ireland, but throughout the world when I express my sincere sympathy to George’s father Dickie and his immediate family circle.

“I had the privilege and pleasure of being on the testimonial committee for George and I got to know him very well.  It is a very sad time for me personally that his life is being taken away at such a young age.

“He brought football, as it should be played, to the people and his skills were evident throughout the world as one of the greatest players ever to be seen.”