A NORTHERN IRISH BALLON D’OR WINNER
“It says everything about his talent [that he won the Ballon d’Or]. Being from Northern Ireland, you know, it can be difficult. You know you’re from such a small place. So, for someone to come out and be a real shining light to everyone, not just in Northern Ireland, but everyone around the world, it’s amazing what he achieved. And you know how good a player he was. People still talk about him to this day, so it just shows you the impact he’s had.
“People always ask who’s the most famous footballer from your country and, straightaway, you know you’ve got one up on them already because of George Best. Everyone’s heard of him so, straightaway, he claimed that. And I think when you look at the way he played and the balance and the skill and the way he went past people, there’s not many people that could entertain a crowd like him, even to this day. And he’s still amazing to watch when you look back at his videos and how tough he was. Also, some of the kicks he used to get and he would just get up, be brave and get on with it. And I think that’s why he was loved.”
