George Best's first high-profile girlfriend is now leading a very different life to when she dated the Manchester United icon
George Best and Jackie Glass, pictured in 1968, had a whirlwind romance
George Best and Jackie Glass, pictured in 1968, had a whirlwind romance
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George Best's first high-profile lover became a practising Buddhist nun and shaved her head after splitting from the Manchester United legend.
Best, who died away exactly 20 years ago aged 59, enjoyed numerous high-profile romances throughout and beyond his iconic footballing career and hedonistic lifestyle. His first notable partner was model Jackie Glass in the late 1960s, while he was playing for United. Glass initially rejected his advances because she was living in London at the time.
Yet the charming Northern Irishman ultimately succeeded in winning her affections, sparking a passionate relationship. Glass, now known as Ani Rinchen, revealed to BelfastLive in 2015: "Of course, I gave it in the end. He was a charismatic man."
It was Glass who ended the relationship after discovering his infidelity through media 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."
George Best with girlfriend Jackie Glass at a reception in London after Manchester United won the 1968 European Cup
Best with Glass at a reception in London after United won the 1968 European Cup
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Glass's journey diverged dramatically from Best's, as she embraced Buddhism and adopted a new name after hearing an inspiring talk by the Dalai Lama. Following her move to a Buddhist monastery, she took her ordination as a nun in 1994.
She chose a life of celibacy, solitude, daily meditation and donned plain red robes, forgoing make-up. Ani Rinchen said: "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.
Glass, now Ani Rinchen, after becoming a Buddhist
Glass, now Ani Rinchen, after becoming a Buddhist
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"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.
George Best
Best the year before his death(Image: ShowBizIreland/Getty Images)
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"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..."