Best’s son Calum spoke to the world’s media outside the west London hospital. He said: "Not only have I lost my dad, but we have all lost a wonderful man.
"I’d like to thank Professor Williams [Best’s consultant] and everyone at the hospital for doing everything they could."
A family statement read: "As you can imagine this is a very difficult time, so you will understand if we are a bit emotional. George’s family would like to thank everybody that has supported us through this traumatic time.
"We have taken great comfort from the thousands and thousands of letters, cards and emails, especially during the long hours of the last few days.
"Finally we would like to thank Phil Hughes [Best’s agent and friend], who, for the last 25 years, has been a firm friend to George."
Best’s father, Dickie, then requested that the family be allowed "to grieve in peace".
Best, who was admitted to hospital on 1 October after suffering flu-like symptoms, had appeared to be making a recovery in recent weeks; last week he was reported to be "relatively stable" on a general ward. But he was re-admitted to intensive care last Friday after developing a lung infection.
His health deteriorated further on Tuesday. Complications caused by internal bleeding in the early hours of Thursday meant that his condition was irreversible.
He was arguably the most talented British footballer of all time. He made his professional debut for United in 1963, at the age of 17. He was named Footballer of the Year in England and in Europe in 1968 after helping the Reds to win the European Cup.
In the moments and hours after the news of George’s passing was confirmed, fans paid tribute to a United legend laying flowers, scalves, shirts at Old Trafford.
United will wear black armbands and observe a minute’s silence prior to the game against West Ham and at the club’s next home match with West Brom on Wednesday. All Premier League games this weekend will observe a minute’s silence.
占个沙发，回来再看好了。。。。今天看英文看伤了~~