The question most asked of footballer George Best, who has died at the age of 59, was where it all went wrong for him. For a former European footballer of the year who, on retirement from the game, was able to live off the reputation he earned as a player, it is an inquiry much at odds with his achievements.

George Best was truly one of the world's greatest footballers. For this, he was revered as a player, quickly promoted to social icon status, and co-opted by the world of fashion and celebrity in a way that is common place today but had never occurred before Best.