Best: Died after developing lung complications

Political leaders have been paying tribute to football legend George Best following his death in London.

The confirmation of Best's death came on Friday afternoon when a hospital spokesman said in a statement: "After a long and very valiant fight Mr George Best died this afternoon in the intensive care unit
at Cromwell Hospital."

The news came after a long running medical condition worsened and he developed lung complications associated with internal bleeding.

On Thursday his surgeon professor Roger Williams told the media that there was no further medical treatment available to Best.

Prime minister Tony Blair led the tributes, calling Best "probably the most naturally gifted footballer of his generation, one of the greatest footballers the