Soccer legend George Best has died in hospital aged 59.
George Best in action for Manchester United in 1969
He lost his battle for life in a private hospital in west London today.
A 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."
Later the hospital said that Best had died at 12.55pm, with his father Dickie (87), son Callum (24) and several of his sisters at his bedside. The news was broken to members of the media minutes later.
Callum told the assembled media outside Cromwell Hospital: "Not only have I lost my Dad, but we have all lost a wonderful man."
A family statement thanked those who had supported George through his illness, including Professor Roger Williams, ICU staff at the hospital and Best's agent Phil Hughes.
Dickie Best appealed to the media to let the family grieve in peace.
"Now we've made a statement to you would you please all go away and leave us to grieve in peace. That's a very human thing to ask anyone to do," he said.
Mr Hughes, who was crying, added: "He has gone somewhere now where no one can hurt him any more. He is safe now."
The Belfast man's condition improved slightly earlier this week when he partly regained consciousness and was able to move his head and eyes.
George Best
Despite this, Prof Williams, who was treating Best, said on Tuesday he was "not confident about recovery" and yesterday the tearful doctor said Best was "coming to the end of the long road of his ill health".
The Taoiseach has spoken of his sadness at the death of George Best. Speaking from Hungary, Bertie Ahern said Best was "one of my great sporting heroes".
"As a teenager, I remember being enthralled by George's sensational performance in the 1968 European Cup final which propelled United to a famous victory," Mr Ahern said. A book of condolence has been opened in City Hall in Belfast.
Best's second wife Alex, said she would always miss the football legend who she called the love of her life.
In a statement she said: "George was the love of my life. He was a unique and talented person who made a lot of people very happy. "I will always miss him." The couple married in 1995 and divorced in 2004. mfl
Manchester United football club said George Best was one of the greatest footballers of all time. "We feel a deep sense of loss but his spirit and his talent will live on forever."
The former Manchester United and Northern Ireland was in the intensive care in the west London hospital after he suffered a severe health setback and a lung infection.
He was initially admitted to hospital after having a reaction to the treatment he was receiving for his new liver and then suffered internal bleeding linked to a bowel infection.
Best pictured last year
After weeks of illness Best's health deteriorated significantly last Friday after he developed a lung infection.
He has had an alcohol problem for much of his adult life and underwent a liver transplant in 2002 after years of heavy drinking.
He famously said: "I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered".
Best played for Manchester United from 1963 to 1974 and his finest hour came in 1968 when the Red Devils became the first English club to win the European Cup.
He scored180 goals in 474 appearances for United and also won two league championships, in 1965 and 1967.
