Best leaves intensive care ward

12 April 2012

George Best was talking and smiling today as he recovered from his liver transplant operation, according to his medical team.

As his wife Alex, 29, made her way to the hospital this morning to check on his progress, she was heartened by news that Best, 56, had been taken off a ventilator. The former Manchester United player is today being moved from intensive care to a specialist liver ward at the Cromwell Hospital, west London, after eight hours of life-saving surgery on Tuesday.

A hospital spokesman said: "It is a good sign that he has been moved from high level care to low level care. He is talking and smiling and has expressed his thanks to everyone for sending all their get well messages."

Consultant physician Professor Roger Williams said Best would be watched very carefully, adding that rejection of the liver should not be a problem but could still occur.

Best disclosed last year he was considering a transplant after staying sober for 12 months - the criterion for a place on the waiting list.

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