George Best’s first girlfriend became a Buddhist nun and shaved off her hair after her relationship ended with the Manchester United legend. Best, who passed away 20 years ago today at 59, following years battling alcoholism, enjoyed countless high-profile romances throughout and beyond his iconic football career and hedonistic lifestyle.
His first famous WAG was model Jackie Glass, who initially rejected Best’s advances while he played for United, as she lived in London. Nevertheless, the charming Northern Irishman eventually succeeded in winning her affections, sparking a passionate affair. Glass, now known as Ani Rinchen, revealed to Belfast Live in 2015: “Of course, I gave in, in the end. He was a charismatic man.”
It was Glass who ended their relationship after discovering his infidelity through newspaper reports.
She continued: “We were together for a year properly and then another year off and on. I was his first love.
“He said it didn’t mean anything and tried to get back with me. I was tempted, but I couldn’t see things would change. We loved each other but our lifestyles were different. I didn’t want to be a footballer’s wife.”
Glass’s journey took a dramatically different direction from Best’s, as she embraced Buddhism and adopted a new identity following inspiration from a Dalai Lama speech.
After entering a Buddhist monastery, she took her vows as a nun in 1994. She chose a life of celibacy, solitude, daily meditation and donned simple red robes, forgoing any makeup.
Ani Rinchen revealed: “I had this idea I wouldn’t be able to have a laugh. But I had become bored with parties, people drinking a lot and talking rubbish.
“I cut my long blonde hair off. I could feel the air on my head. It was liberating. I was giving up all the things that weren’t good for me.
“I think he got too far away from his true self. We can become so focused outwards, we never look inside. Buddhism brings you back to yourself.”
Upon learning of Best’s death while on a retreat to Holy Island, she expressed: “It was very sad. We had a little ceremony and said prayers.
“I think he got too far away from his true self. We can become so focused outwards, we never look inside. Buddhism brings you back to yourself.
“I could have gone down the path with George. I was a young, pretty girl. I knew a lot of people but I didn’t feel I had a lot of friends. I’m so much happier now.
“Someone told me George had been reading a book by the Dalai Lama near the end. Perhaps he was coming round to it. Maybe next life…”