THE death of George Best has been felt around the world, with tributes continuing to pour in from some of the greatest players the game has seen.

Argentina’s Diego Maradona, who has endured his own share of problems, said: “George inspired me when I was young. He was flamboyant and exciting and able to inspire his teammates. We were very similar players, dribblers who were able to create moments of magic.

“And I can also relate to what George has been through because of his addiction to alcohol. I was also very sick and close to death in December last year, but I pulled out of it by a miracle.”

Johan Cruyff, the former Holland international and one of the few players who could stand comparison with Best, said: “What he had was unique, you can’t coach it.” Asked if Best was one of the game’s greatest, Cruyff said: “If you talk about Europe, you talk about five or six and if you talk about his qualities he’d always be in there. It was a short career but he was exceptional.”

Portugal and Benfica legend Eusebio witnessed first hand two of Best’s most memorable performances for United, the 5-1 defeat of Benfica in the European Cup quarter-final in 1966 and the 1968 final when Best scored a great solo goal as United beat the Portuguese club 4-1.

“Today is not good for me, my family, for everyone who knows George Best, and for everyone who knows football. He was the best player in the world, not just England, and a good friend of mine. I remember one day he played against Benfica in 1966 in Lisbon, we lost 5-1 and George Best was spectacular, a genius.

“I remember him, too, in the final in 1968 against Manchester United at Wembley. George Best for me continues to be my friend in my heart. I am very sorry.”

Best had taken some comfort from being described by Pele as one of the greatest footballers to have kicked a ball, and the Brazilian repeated his tribute yesterday. “I often mentioned George Best as the best player in Europe,” he said. “For me, he was one of the biggest players in Europe. God bless him.”

But perhaps he was best summed up by Antonio Simeos, the man who coached him at San Jose Earthquakes. Nobody would pretend that he was at the peak of his powers when he arrived in America, but Simoes said: “It was hard in training because he didn’t listen. He’d get the ball, dribble past three or four teammates and burst out laughing. It was all easy for him. He played with joy. It wasn’t a job, it was entertainment.

“Many players go down in history because they’re successful but few are remembered for their magic. George Best spread magic.”

PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor believes the legacy of football’s first superstar will extend far beyond his genius on the pitch.

“When people remember George Best, they will recall his fabulous ability on the football field, all the skills and goals,” Taylor said. “That is a fitting legacy and it is right we should do that because, above all, he was a genius on the pitch, one of the finest players the world has ever seen.

“But we also have to recognise the problems George had, not just during his career but later in his life. It is important we learn the valuable lessons because when he was exposed to all the celebrity attention, George had no one to help him, no one to protect him and no one to fall back on if things went wrong.

“I would like to feel by setting up professional lifestyle programmes and regular tutorials, the PFA is doing its part to ensure the players of today do not fall victim to the same temptations. Of course, it is not an exact science and we cannot expect a 100% success rate, but if George’s passing does one thing, it highlights the need to provide support.”

A delegation from the Irish Football Association, led by president Jim Boyce, will attend Best’s funeral.

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