Troubled British soccer legend George Best spent Christmas night in police custody being questioned about an alleged assault, British newspapers said on Saturday.

The Sun and Daily Mirror said the former Manchester United and Northern Ireland winger was questioned for almost 12 hours by officers after being arrested near his home in Walton-on-the-Hill in Surrey at 2 a.m. on Friday.

Newspapers said the incident involved Best's estranged wife Alex.

Surrey police refused to confirm whether Best, 57, had been arrested.

"A 57-year-old man from Walton-on-the-Hill was arrested on December 26 at approximately 2 a.m. in Reigate in relation to an allegation of assault," a police spokeswoman said.

"The man was released later without charge at around midday. No allegations are now being pursued by any party."

Best captivated the football world in a sparkling 10-year career at United from 1963 to 1973, inspiring them to their 1968 European Cup triumph.

He was European Footballer of the Year that season but a hectic showbusiness lifestyle took its toll on one of the game's most gifted players.

Last year he had a liver transplant after decades of alcohol abuse. Following the operation he vowed not to touch alcohol again, talking of a new lease of life.

But he hit the headlines again this summer with reports he had started drinking again and was having marital problems.