Travel weary Best seeks move

Alex and George Best in their County Down home

Football legend George Best is planning to move back to England from Northern Ireland because of his television work.

Best and his wife Alex have put their County Down house on the market but they insist they are sad to be leaving their dream home.

The couple said they were angry about media reports which suggested they were leaving Northern Ireland because of the weather.

"We love this place - it is exactly what we wanted," said Best.

"The travelling is the main reason.

'Special place'

"I have to be in London and have been flying backwards and forwards two or three times a week and I have not been 100 per cent healthwise.

"The weather is not the reason for our move. We knew it was not Florida when we came here.

"It is purely and simply work. We are spending more time away than we are here.

"I have lived all the over the world and this place is special."

'Test market'

Alex denied reports that she had not settled in Northern Ireland.

"I absolutely love it here. The people are really friendly and I have made lots of friends," she said.

"I love the beach and the fresh air.

"We have put the house up for sale to test the market. We have not decided where we are going yet."