Would you want to see former Tottenham, Fulham and Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov at your club? It’s a question many a Premier League manager may be asking themselves after hearing these quotes.
Unattached striker Dimitar Berbatov has admitted to the BBC that he is hoping to wind down his storied career in the Premier League.
The languid Bulgarian, renowned by many for his alluring natural talent while derided by others for a perceived lack of effort, is currently a free agent having ended his contract with Greek outfit PAOK, where he posted a rather disappointing goal tally of four in 17 appearances.
Berbatov captured the heart of many fans during a remarkable two seasons with Tottenham Hotspur before taking his leisurely talents to Manchester United, supplementing his ability with two Premier League titles before returning to the capital to become an all-too-rare emblem of class in a Fulham side distinctly lacking in quality.
Now 35, however, the seven-time Bulgarian footballer of the year is not ruling the chance of an intriguing return to the English top flight should the opportunity arise.
“When you’ve played in the Premier League, you don’t want to play anywhere else,” Berbatov told the BBC ahead of Tottenham’s Champions League clash with another of his former sides, Bayer Leverkusen.
“In this stage of my career, I know where I am. I would happily play for a team where they use my experience and my knowledge.
“I can help young players develop and make the team stronger. In the end, it’s all about helping the team play.”
There’s little doubt that training alongside one of the most naturally gifted footballers of his generation would benefit even the most industrious youngster, but whether any top flight side believes it is worth taking a punt on the ultimate ‘luxury player’ remains to be seen.
After all, the modern obsession with running stats and a high tempo, high pressing gameplan hardly go hand-in-hand with Berbatov’s unique brand of ‘walking football’.
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