Former Manchester United great George Best has started selling off his footballing awards as he wants some extra cash.

The Ulsterman hopes to get 150,000 pounds (250,000 dollars) each for his English and European Footballer of the Year awards, which he won in 1968, so he has "money to enjoy".

"I thought about selling them a few years ago, but I knew people would just say 'oh he's selling them because he's desperate for the money'," Best wrote in the Mail on Sunday.

"Well, now I don't need the money, but it would be nice to have it. I've looked after my family financially, now selling the trophies would be for me - money for me to enjoy while I'm alive."

He added: "They are of no use in the bank, and if I brought them home someone would probably walk off with them."