GEORGE Best was last night spending his final hours in hospital surrounded by his loved ones.

The former footballer was unconscious and breathing with the help of a ventilator as his life ebbed away.

ProfessorRogerWilliams, his consultant, said: "I am afraid Mr Best is

coming to the end of the long road of his ill-health."

The ex-Manchester United striker's family, including son Calum, 24, and father Dickie, 87, kept a vigil by his bedside.

Former team-mates Denis Law and Sir Bobby Charlton came to say emotional goodbyes.

It was revealed that Best, who received a controversial liver transplant in 2002, carries a donor card and his organs will be used to help others.

ProfessorWilliams, who has overseen Best's treatment, left the private Cromwell Hospital in west London last night saying: "There is no change, just deterioration." Earlier, he was close to tears as he announced outside the hospital that Best was about to die. "He is still alive, he is still having standard medical care and treatment, but I have to tell you that his hours are numbered now."

Best was admitted to the Cromwell on October 1 suffering from a flu-like infection.

His condition was thought to be improving until Friday when he suffered a severe setback.

He developed a lung infection and was put back on a ventilator. His condition deteriorated on Wednesday night and ProfessorWilliams said there was no longer anything doctors could do.