Under flat caps and bowler hats: George Best

During these episodes we will take a look back at examples of mental ill health in football from yesteryear. 

"George inspired me when I was young. I actually think we were very similar players - dribblers who were able to create moments of magic."
Diego Maradona

It took George Best two separate attempts to finally convince himself to stay in Manchester as a homesick teenager. The Manchester United scout Bob Bishop told Matt Busby he had found himself a genius, he wasn't wrong. 

Best would go on to become one of the most celebrated and enjoyed footballers of all time.  

But off the field, an eccentric and expensive lifestyle was quickly becoming his primary focus, as George's addictions took over. Joined by Rob Blanchette of The Bleacher Report, and Barry Shmeizer, a Manchester United fan who met Best in his hometown of Johannesburg in 1974, we discuss Best the player, as well as his addictions and turbulent lifestyle. 

In a world where mental health didn't exist, his lifestyle was the source of judgement, derision and amusement. What have we learnt from George Best? If anything.