This Day in History: 2023-08-16

Nr. 499

GEORGE BEST QUITS AT 26 (1972)

It was unthinkable that a player who could win a place in any World XI should quit aged only 26, but George Best did. Disillusioned and feeling the effects of his fast living, Manchester United player Best flew to Spain after problems at Old Trafford and quit soccer at an impromptu press conference – just days short of his 26th birthday.
Newspapers quoted Best, who had played 466 times for United and scored 178 goals, as saying, «I am no longer a footballer – and that’s final.» History tells that his decision was not final. The Northern Ireland international returned to the club which nurtured his brilliance, but there were more problems over his pop star lifestyle. After quitting United again he wandered the world to play in countries as far apart as Scotland and Australia. He had lower league spells with Stockport, Fulham and Bournemouth in England, Hibernian in Scotland, and Los Angeles Aztecs and San Jose Earthquakes in California, before finally retiring in 1983.

On the pitch Best was a genius but off-the-pitch problems continually threatened to overshadow his undoubted talent.