George Best’s first girlfriend became a nun and shaved her head after her relationship with the Manchester United legend ended. Best, who died 20 years ago today at the age of 59 after a long battle with 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 was playing for United because she lived in London. Nevertheless, the charming Northern Irishman eventually managed to win her affections, sparking a passionate relationship. Glass, now known as Ani Rinchen, revealed on Belfast Live in 2015: “Of course I gave in in the end. He was a charismatic guy.”
It was Glass who ended the relationship after discovering his infidelity through newspaper reports.
She continued, “We were together properly for a year and then on and off for another year. I was his first love.
“He said there was no point in it and tried to get me back together. I was tempted, but I didn’t think 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 than Best’s, as he took inspiration from the Dalai Lama’s speeches, embraced Buddhism, and adopted a new identity.
After entering a Buddhist monastery, she took her vows as a nun in 1994. She chose a life of celibacy, solitude, daily meditation, and wore a simple red robe without makeup.
Ani Rinchen said, “I thought it wouldn’t be funny, but I got tired of parties where everyone drinks a lot and talks nonsense.”
“I cut my long blonde hair. I felt air on my head. It was liberating. I let go of everything that wasn’t good for me.
“I think he has strayed too far from his true self. We are so focused on the outside that we don’t look inside. Buddhism brings you back to your true self.”
She said she learned of Mr Best’s death during a retreat on Holy Island. “It was very sad. We had a little ceremony and said a prayer.
“I think he got too far from his true self. Sometimes we look outward and never look inward. Buddhism brings you back to your true self.”
“I could have gone down the road with George. I was a young, pretty girl. I knew a lot of people, but I didn’t feel like I had a lot of friends. I’m very happy now.”
“Someone told me that George was reading the Dalai Lama’s book near the end. Maybe he had started reading the book. Maybe in the afterlife…”
