“Where did it all go wrong?” This week marks 50 years since George Best made his United debut

“I used to go missing a lot…Miss Canada, Miss United Kingdom, Miss World.” – George Best

There is a famous story about George Best—possibly apocryphal, but nonetheless telling.

One night, a waiter was delivering champagne to Best’s hotel room, only to be confronted by thousands of pounds of online winnings and the current Miss World lying on the bed. Without missing a beat, legend has it, he looked at the Manchester United icon and uttered the immortal words: “Where did it all go wrong?”

20 classic George Best quotes

This week marks 50 years since Best made his United debut. The man the Portuguese considered the fifth Beatle was arguably the world’s first superstar footballer. Handsome, talented and witty, women wanted him while men wanted to be him.

The Belfast boy was not only witty himself but inspired wit in others. Here are classic quotes by or about one of the greatest footballers ever to have drawn breath.

So George, where did it all go wrong?
The hotel bellboy who delivered champagne to Best’s room and found him entertaining a scantily-clad Miss World on a bed covered with his winnings.

I’ve stopped drinking, but only while I’m asleep.
George Best provides some dark humour about his addiction.

The only thing I have in common with George Best is that we come from the same place, play for the same club and were discovered by the same man
Norman Whiteside.

I think I’ve found you a genius.
The telegram sent to Manchester United by talent scout Bob Bishop, who discovered a 15-year-old Best playing for Cregagh Boys’ Club.

I once said Gazza’s IQ was less than his shirt number and he asked me: “What’s an IQ?”
Best on Paul Gascoigne.

I’d give all the Champagne I’ve ever drunk to be playing alongside him in a big European match at Old Trafford.
Eric Cantona impressed Best.

In 1969 I gave up women and alcohol – it was the worst 20 minutes of my life.
George Best – ever the joker.

I was in for 10 hours and had 40 pints – beating my previous record by 20 minutes.
Best on the blood transfusion after his liver transplant.

He’s not George Best, but then again, no-one is.
Commentator Clive Tyldesley.

I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered.
Best on cash.

Northampton fan’s memory

The closest I got to him was when we shook hands at the end of the game.
Northampton player Roy Fairfax, who had been marking Best when he scored six goals in an 8-2 FA Cup win for Man Utd in 1970.

That’s what children do – throw food. That’s not fighting. We were real men. We’d have chinned them.
Best gives his verdict on the infamous Battle of the Buffet between Manchester United and Arsenal.

Shellito was taken off suffering from twisted blood!
United team-mate Pat Crerand after Best had given Chelsea full-back Ken Shellito a torrid time.

He’s been very, very lucky, an average player who came into the game when it was short of personalities.
Best on Kevin Keegan.