Best sent home to convalesce

George Best leaves hospital after a five week stay

Soccer legend George Best was allowed home on Thursday after spending five weeks battling an alcohol-related liver problem in a private hospital.

The 53-year-old was first admitted to Cromwell Hospital in Kensington on 8 March, complaining of severe stomach pains.

Best has promised his wife he will stop drinking

His consultant at the London hospital, Professor Roger Williams, said: "Mr Best has improved considerably this week and has been allowed to go home today to continue convalescing."

He added that the ex-soccer star would receive weekly checks, but it may be some time before he feels competely well.

The former Manchester United and Northern Ireland player has always had a reputation as a heavy drinker.

He recently gave his 27-year-old wife Alex a pledge that he would stop drinking for good.