The former Manchester United player told the Daily Mirror that it was a shame someone had to die first to give him a new life.
Prof Roger Williams, director of the Hepatology Institute at University College London, who has been treating the star, said the conditions were right for the operation to go ahead.
“He has become sober thanks to his treatment, which is a great achievement for him and now the transplant can take place,” he said.
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He is working, but his health is not good and I don't think his liver itself is going to get much better.
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Professor Roger Williams |
“His liver initially showed a lot of improvement but is now not making much progress in recovery.
“He’s dealing with it all but we’re confident he’ll be much better after the transplant.
The diagnosis follows a recent illness Best suffered while on holiday with his wife in Cyprus last month.
He fell ill in the southern resort city of Limassol with a mysterious infection believed to have been caused by the air conditioning system.
After tests, doctors determined Best was suffering from a gastrointestinal virus that had nothing to do with the liver or alcohol.
“Normal Procedure”
But Prof Williams said that despite his ongoing treatment, Best's condition was unlikely to improve and he remained in a dangerous condition.
“He's working but he's not feeling very well and I don't think his liver is going to get any better.”
Prof Williams added: “Liver transplants are a very major operation, but they are quite routine.”
“It is widely performed when medically indicated, and the results have generally been excellent.
“We can only hope that he receives timely treatment and returns to a normal quality of life.”
The star underwent extensive treatment for liver damage at Cromwell Hospital last year.
