BERBA TOUGH

DIMITAR BERBATOV insists he is not lazy — and gave his all for Manchester United.
The Bulgarian fired 57 goals in 149 United games but could never lose the ‘idle’ tag.
But last night Berbatov, 31, hit back — also pointing out that 41 of those appearances were from the substitutes bench.
He said: “I left Manchester United with my head held very high.
“I gave 100 per cent and no one could doubt my performances, especially when you compare how many minutes I actually played.
“I was the Premier League’s top goalscorer in 2010-11 and never wanted to be on the bench.

 

“Perhaps I needed to play more but I always accepted the manager’s orders. I never considered myself to be a star — only a forward working for the team.”

 Berba started just 12 games last season and then decided to leave Old Trafford.

The only surprise was that he decided to join Fulham for £5million.
But he did link up with manager Martin Jol who first brought him to England with Tottenham in 2006.
Three goals so far in five starts have got West London roaring — and today he has vowed to settle an old score with Arsenal.
Only two of his 103 goals for United and Tottenham came against the Gunners.
Berbatov added: “Playing against Arsenal has not proved to be very successful for me but I’m looking to score for Fulham at the Emirates.
“They say Arsenal asked about me at some stage in my career but it was never possible to go there.
“Now Fulham have the same number of points as Arsenal and we need my goals to win games, not so I enjoy personal glory but for the team to to gain points.
“We can beat anyone and even though Arsenal are one of the best clubs in England, we intend to make them suffer.”

But why Fulham? Surely Berbatov’s goal return in England, plus another 76 goals for Bayer Leverkusen, should have sent him higher in the table — here or abroad.
He explained: “The Fulham directors spoke directly with me to explain their ambitions and how I fitted in with those plans.
“That was the key and also the fact that my family are happy in England.
“I received another proposition from Fiorentina but my preference was always to stay in the Premier League.
“It may be more difficult to score and win trophies with Fulham than at United or Spurs.
“But I am focused on scoring goals for Fulham and fighting to get us into the Europa League.
“I like the confidence Fulham have in me. If I feel that the coach is trusting in my ability then I can do special things on the pitch.
“I just want to play every game and when I do this and I’m healthy with no injuries, then the fans can see the way I play.
“I know the coach, he trusts me, he trusts my ability. I feel good if the coach trusts the way I play.”
In return, the signing of Berbatov partly redressed the balance for Jol, who was reeling at the end of the summer transfer window after losing Clint Dempsey and Mousa Dembele to Spurs, and Danny Murphy to Blackburn.
But Berbatov will have to go some to recreate the glory years at Spurs and United.
The star, who has retired from international football, won the League Cup with Spurs, again with United plus two Premier League titles.
Along the way he was Tottenham’s player of the year in 2006-07 before picking up the Golden Boot with United.
He added: “Yes, I shall always remember those achievements — my best moments in England.

 “I’ve been pleased at where destiny has taken me.”

Culled from the Sun newpaper 10/9/2012