Soccer: Best in 'excellent form' after op

Soccer legend George Best is recovering well after a liver transplant operation, a hospital spokesman said yesterday.

"I've just seen him and he's in excellent form. He's improved even more since this morning," said Professor Roger Williams, consultant physician at the Cromwell Hospital in West London, where the 56-year-old Best underwent his transplant.

Best, a former Manchester United and Northern Ireland star, was placed on the transplant waiting list nine months ago after doctors warned his liver was permanently damaged by decades of alcohol abuse.

Best was warned two years ago that he would die unless he quit drinking.