Best has wife's mum in for tea

GEORGE BEST flew back to England yesterday and, after a meeting with his mother-in-law, checked into a health spa.

The wayward soccer idol's 31-year-old wife Alex fled at the weekend as reports emerged that Best was having an affair.

Alex's mother, Cheryl arrived at Best's €1m house in Lower Kingswood, Surrey, at 9.30am after his return from holiday in Malta.

As she arrived at the brick and flint cottage, Mrs Pursey said: "I'm just going to say hello to my son-in-law."

Emerging later she said she had not spoken to 57-year-old Best about the marriage problems or claims he had been seeing blonde Paula Shapland.

She said Best was drinking tea and 'feeling quite cheerful' in contrast to her daughter.

Asked whether Alex was happy, she replied curtly: "No."

Mrs Pursey spoke of Alex's 'hurt and betrayal'. Her daughter is now on holiday with girlfriends in Spain.

The couple's relationship has been under strain following Best's latest battle with alcohol.

The former Manchester United star was pictured drinking in his local pub, The Chequers, less than a year after a life-saving liver transplant.

His bout of renewed drinking left question marks over his long-term health as doctors at the Cromwell Hospital in west London told him he may have damaged his new liver.

Alex was said to be 'devastated' about the 10-day drinking spree and temporarily moved out of their cottage.

During his relapse, Best was arrested on suspicion of assault at the pub but was later released without charge.

He was also pictured drinking during the holiday in Malta.

Best is recuperating at Champneys Forest Mere, in Liphook, Hants.