The former Tottenham Hotspur star admitted he hated being the centre of attention.
Ex-Spurs star Dimitar Berbatov sat down for an exclusive interview with ESPN, and opened up on his relationship with the Tottenham fans, claiming that he didn’t like it when they sang his name.
The now 36-year-old enjoyed a fabulous two-year spell in north London, scoring 46 goals in the process, and endearing himself to the Spurs faithful along the way with the sublime manner in which he operated.
The Bulgarian impressed so much with the Lilywhites that he attracted the attention of Sir Alex Ferguson, and eventually moved to Old Trafford on transfer deadline day in 2008 in a deal believed to be worth £30.75 million.
Berbatov was a huge hit at White Hart Lane, and quickly became a fan favourite. He admitted that he did not like being centre of attention, however, during an exclusive interview with ESPN:
“Spurs fans liked me. When I heard them singing my name I thought: ‘Why are they singing for me?’ I didn’t like that attention. Some players do, but I was embarrassed and thinking: ‘Please, please shut up.’ I don’t know why I felt like that but, when my family wanted to come and watch me play, I always asked that they didn’t come to the stadium. Sometimes I had to be tough and say: ‘No, you’re not coming.’ Even my father. He knows I prefer him to watch me on television, without the pressure of having to perform if they come to the stadium.”
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The silky front-man went on to become a real Premier League legend, winning two titles with United, scoring 94 goals for three separate clubs, and thrilling fans up and down the country with his exquisite skill.
If he ever comes back to Tottenham as a guest though, word of warning Spurs fans – just remember not to sing his name.
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