Best's doctor speaks of relapse

On the wagon: George Best and Alex in happier times

The doctor who has been treating soccer hero George Best has spoken of his fears for his health following the news of his latest drinking lapse.

Professor Roger Williams said he hoped to persuade Best back to London for further treatment following reports of a drinking spree in Northern Ireland.

Prof Williams began treating the 54-year-old former Manchester United star last year.

He warned him at the time that even one glass of wine could finish him off.

I find it very disturbing that people are serving him drink

Phil Hughes, Best's agent

"We do know in the last week or so that he has had some lapses," he told GMTV on Monday.

"I spoke to him in the middle of last week and he was very clear - so it is not every day as the some of the newspapers have been saying.

"It is worrying and I am hoping that we will get him back to London and grapple with him again."

He added that Best was well aware of the consequences of his actions.

"He is very worried about it and every time that I have spoken to him he has been worried about it," he said.

'Broken-hearted'

Best's agent Phil Hughes said he was "worried sick" about the 54-year-old star, who has pulled out of two public appearances through ill health in the past 10 days.

Alex Best: "Bearing up"

Mr Hughes said: "I find it very disturbing that people are serving him drink.

"If they feel that they're able to add to George's problems by serving him alcohol, it's something that may be on their conscience."

Mr Hughes added that Best's wife, Alex, was "bearing up".

But he said: "Anyone who knows and loves George will be absolutely broken-hearted."

Best was to have provided commentary for the BBC at Saturday's Northern Ireland World Cup qualifying fixture against the Czech Republic in Belfast but pulled out.

He was treated for pneumonia in Belfast last month and had been making a slow recovery.

Best, whose glittering career was cut short by heavy drinking, left London after treatment for a serious liver complaint and a warning to stay off alcohol for good.