By Aston
November 25 2005

Ipswich Town manager Joe Royle has hailed George Best as the best player he has ever seen.

Best passed away in Cromwell Hospital earlier today after a battle against kidney and lung infections.

 

Royle: “George was the best player I have ever seen, he grew up in an era when we all saw England win the World Cup and the great Brazilian side of the 1970s with Pele.

 

“And there has been Cruyff and Maradona but I have always considered George as the best player I have ever seen on a football field.

 

“I can remember playing against him when I was at Everton and being left bewildered and in awe at his talent.

 

“George has been a friend, I'm not claming him to be a close friend but whenever we met up, we always got on well.

 

“When I was at Manchester City I used to go to his club and have a quiet drink with him and he was always lovely company. He was a lovely man, a very quiet man in fact.

 

“I saw him at Sky TV 18 months ago and we shared a laugh or two. It's a great shame and my thoughts go out to his family.”

 

STB would like send our condolences out to George’s friends and family.

 

Source: Ipswich Town – the official website.

 

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