Chapter 368 God Bless Manchester United
The body of George Best returned to his hometown, Belfast, Northern Ireland. Here, his family, friends and fans who loved him said their final goodbyes and bid farewell to the pride of their hometown.
Even before the morning fog had cleared, thousands of fans descended on Belfast's Stormont to say farewell to their hero. Many people in the crowd had gray hair on their temples, and there were fathers and sons. When they started watching the game, Best had brought them countless wonderful memories.
The plane landed slowly carrying Best's coffin, and Best's son Colm escorted his father's body down the gangway. Best's coffin was covered with the team flag of Manchester United and surrounded by white carnations. Behind him were Colm Best, Best's old father Dicky Best and other relatives. Those who had been waiting early Fans here also followed slowly, and after a three-mile journey, Best's coffin arrived at the venue of the funeral - the Parliament Hall in Belfast.
It was the first funeral held in Parliament Hall in 65 years. Before Best, the last time someone was treated so favorably was Prime Minister Lord Cregavin, who died in 1940. Due to security reasons, only 32,000 fans were allowed into the open space in front of the parliament building, and 300 invited guests attended the funeral ceremony. This includes Best's two ex-wives, Alex and Angie.
Les Misérables actor Peter Cowrie sang the "Bring Him Home" ode. In the melodious singing, Best's memorial ceremony officially began. Dugan, Michael Partland, Armstrong and Dennis Law, Best's former teammates at Manchester United and Northern Ireland, gently carried his coffin up the stairs. Best's closest teammate Dennis Law represented him. Eulogies were read.
Behind them, Ferguson and former Northern Ireland coach Bingham and Eriksen were also present. The current members of the Manchester United first team all stood behind them in black suits.
The current Northern Ireland manager is a Best fan. In Sanchez's eyes, Best is his greatest player. Sanchez said in his eulogy: "Best was the pride of Northern Ireland. Although today is a sad day, people will remember his greatness. When I was very young, I watched his games. At that time he will Farewell to the court, but his skills are still unforgettable to me."
A railway operator named Neil had been waiting here since last night. He left the parliament hall silently until the funeral was over. "When I was a child, I watched him play football. Although it is a sad moment now, I am very happy to say goodbye to him in person." Many fans who attended the funeral were like Neil, who came here from all corners of the UK a few days ago to say goodbye to the "Best Era" in their hearts.
As early as a few days ago, many fans started commemorative activities. In Belfast city centre, people gathered at a church to pray for Best's soul. Outside the door of the city hall, many Best's No. 7 jerseys and scarves were hung. Fans lit candles in the drizzle and cold wind to pay tribute to Best.
In the east side of the city,
In Best's birthplace, Corregaff, people held up posters of Best from that year, which showed Best wearing the No. 7 jersey of Manchester United and the No. 11 jersey of the Northern Ireland national team, singing "Belfast" "Best" slowly gathered together. It was on the streets of his hometown that the young Best played ball with his friends and honed the skills that have since captivated the world.
At the entrance of the parliament building, royal dignitaries and celebrities from all walks of life also sent wreaths. On Prince of Wales Street, where Best's coffin passed, the one-mile stretch of road was lined with wreaths expressing condolences to protect Best during his final journey. The crowd didn't disperse for a long time, and many people still didn't want to go too far away from Best, even though Best has really said goodbye to us now.
Such a huge memorial event made Dong Fangzhuo deeply feel the greatness of Best. He remembered that when he was very young, such a huge scene would only occur when a great national figure passed away. It was 1997, and flags were flown at half-mast across the country in mourning. Later, that was...
He doesn't remember.
But it was the first time he experienced such a real person leaving in front of him.
In more than two months, he has attended two funerals, and there is always an inexplicable sadness in his heart.
Last time it was Cristiano Ronaldo's father, this time it was Manchester United's greatest player Best. Although death is far away from him, he always feels like the people around him are leaving one by one?
During the home league game against Portsmouth, Manchester United fans' activities to commemorate Best continued, as if people didn't want Best to leave.
Under the protection of Best, Manchester United continued their heroic form. With goals from Giggs, Rossi and Scholes, Manchester United won Portsmouth at home. In the standings, they are still trailing Chelsea with 4 points.
What makes Ferguson gratified is that in this game, he put Ronaldo, Rooney and Dong Fangzhuo on the bench. Giggs and Scholes, who had not started for a long time, were in full form. Not only were they in full form during the game, He also scored a goal and led the team to a big victory.
At the most critical moment, every player in Manchester United's first team seemed to have regained his form, which gave him a lot of chips in his hands. However, before going to Benfica in Portugal, he still chose to believe in Dong Fangzhuo and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The final round of the Champions League is related to whether Manchester United can win the first place in the group. Ferguson didn't want to finish second in the group against the most perverted opponents in Europe. Last season, they were eliminated early because they finished second in the group and then faced Milan in advance.
This time against Benfica, as long as they get a draw, Manchester United can ensure the first place in the league, but if they lose, they are likely to give up the first position to Villarreal and finish second in the group again.
"Best's departure seems to have put Manchester United back on track. They went to Benfica in Portugal with sorrow. The game that determines how far they can go in the Champions League this season has finally arrived. If they win or draw with Benfica, Manchester United's Champions League will be a mess. On a smooth road, if we lose the game, Manchester United may fall into the abyss."
"The weather in Benfica was a bit bad that day. The weather forecast said there would be light snow. This was a big test for Manchester United."
"For Manchester United, Ferdinand's absence has a greater impact on them. Sylvester will replace him. On the bench, Pique, who performed well in two games, still got the opportunity to enter the squad. And young player Rossi also came with the team..."
"What Manchester United fans are now concerned about is that their new captain seems to have failed to score in three consecutive games? This is not like Dong's style."