London, Apr.17 : The father of the late football ace, George Best, has died "from a broken heart".

His family surrounded Dickie Best, 88, when he breathed his last at the Ulster Hospital in Dundonald, Northern Ireland.

George Best died aged 59 in 2005 after battling alcoholism.

Dickie never got over it. I have no doubt he died of a broken heart," The Sun quoted a friend of Dickie, as saying.

Last night the Best family said: "Dad had his sorrows to bear, but he faced them always with courage and dignity."

Widower Dickie, who had six kids, was admitted to hospital after problems with medication.

ANI