Best to sell trophies

George Best said selling the trophies would be "emotional"

Football legend George Best has said he is selling his treasured trophies to raise money to buy a mountain home on a Greek island.

The Manchester United and Northern Ireland star said he would "shed a tear" when the items are finally sold.

The 1968 European Footballer of the Year and 1967-8 Football Writers' Footballer of the Year awards are expected to fetch between £150,000 and £200,000 each at auction.

Best, who has fought a well-chronicled battle with alcoholism, said he planned to spend the money on a home in Corfu for him and his family.

He said he hoped showbiz stars would buy the trophies so that he would still be able to see them.

It is my way of giving something back to the important people who have stood by me George Best

Mr Best, who now lives in Surrey, said: "I feel sheer pride when I look at them and I will shed a tear when they go, of course.

"It will be very emotional for me. When I collected them from the bank and touched them for the last time there was a lump in my throat.

"But I have thought about this for a long time and finally decided the time is right."

The 57-year-old, who says his last drinking binge was a "hiccup", added: "This is nothing to do with me needing the money - I don't, as I'm doing very well. I certainly don't have to sell these.

Mountain villa

"But I am sure my family would much rather have a nice retreat abroad where we can all relax, and they can enjoy when I'm gone, than have two trophies that have to be kept locked away for security.

"It is my way of giving something back to the important people who have stood by me.

"I will look forward to getting away from it all in my own villa on a mountain in Corfu."

The trophies are due to be sold at Bonhams auction house, in Chester, at 1100 BST on 8 October.