George Best's first girlfriend became a practising monk and shaved off her hair after parting ways with the Manchester United legend. Best, who died exactly 20 years ago aged 59 following years battling alcohol addiction, enjoyed countless high-profile romances throughout and beyond his iconic football career and hedonistic lifestyle.

His first notable WAG was model Jackie Glass, who initially rejected Best's advances as he was playing for United while she resided in London. Nevertheless, the charming Northern Irishman eventually succeeded in winning her affections, setting the stage for a whirlwind romance.

Glass, now known as Ani Rinchen, revealed to BelfastLive in 2015: "Of course, I gave it in the end. He was a charismatic man."

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It was Glass who ended their relationship after discovering his infidelity through the press. She added: "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 after being moved by a speech from the Dalai Lama. After relocating to a Buddhist monastery, she was ordained as a nun in 1994.

She chose a life of celibacy, solitude, daily meditation and donned simple red robes, forgoing any make-up. 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 recalled: "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..."

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