Best was not at the auction which was held at Bonhams in Chester, but before the sale he said he would “shed a tear” to see either award go.

The European Player of the Year trophy, from 1968, was bought by an anonymous British bidder over the telephone.

He described himself as “an avid football fan” and said he hoped to exhibit the trophy.

The English Footballer of the Year award, which was also won by Best in 1968, did not reach the minimum asking price of £150,000 (€211,000).

It means Best keeps hold of the trophy unless he decides to try his luck at another auction.

A spokeswoman for Bonhams said: “It’s sad that the second trophy did not sell as this is an important piece of football memorabilia.

“We will now have to speak to Mr Best to see what he wants to do.”

More than 100 people showed up for the auction and other lots included signed Maradona shirts and Busby Babes prints.

The former Manchester United hero said when he announced the sale in August that he wanted to use the proceeds to buy a Greek holiday home.

He was hoping that showbiz friends would buy the trophies so he would still be able to see them. He had replicas made just in case.

Best said: “I feel sheer pride when I look at them and I will shed a tear when they go, of course. It will be very emotional for me.”