Corfu News

In order to pay for a holiday home in Greece for his family former Manchester United football great George Best is to sell two of his most treasured trophies.

Auctioneers Bonhams announced that the ex-Northern Ireland international, now 57, will auction off his European and British footballer-of-the-year awards in October. Further Bonhams said that the trophies are expected to fetch more than 150,000 pounds (215,000 euros, 245,000 dollars) each.

Best said that he will use the proceeds to buy a holiday home on the Greek island of Corfu, while admitting that he would “shed a tear” to see the possessions go.

Best, who now works as a football pundit and has fought a highly public battle with alcoholism for decades insisted that the sale was nothing to do with money. “I certainly don’t have to sell them,” Best said “But I am sure my family would much rather have a nice retreat abroad where we can all relax, and they can enjoy it when I’m gone, than have two trophies that have to be kept locked away for security.”

Widely acclaimed as one of the most naturally talented footballers ever to have played the game, he won the two top-player titles in 1968 after helping Manchester United to the European Cup, scoring a goal in their 4-1 win over Benfica in the final.

But with a career severely curtailed by his off-field activities, principally drinking. Best, only in his mid-20s, saw his talents wane, shortly after that. He saw out much of his later career with a series of smaller clubs.