Berbatov desperate to show he cares for United

DIMITAR BERBATOV insists fans confuse his laidback approach to football with a misguided belief that he does not care.

The Manchester United striker should be heading for the new campaign on a high after sharing the Premier League’s Golden Boot prize with Carlos Tevez and firing the Red Devils to a record 19th title.

Instead, Berbatov is facing up to what most would perceive to be the biggest challenge of his career after he did not even manage a place on the bench for the Champions League final. The Bulgarian is said to have spent the 3-1 defeat to Barcelona alone and in tears, trying to mask his desolation from concerned club officials.

Last week, in Chicago’s Four Seasons Hotel, Berbatov was a more contented figure.

So obviously uncomfortable in an interview setting, the former Tottenham star had no wish to rake over the coals of that horrendous night.

However, yesterday, he was keen to set the record straight about his attitude to the game.

“I am a very proud person,” said the 30-year-old.

“I don’t like to show my weaknesses. I don’t want to show my emotions in public. That is why people probably sometimes misjudge me.”

The truth is Berbatov wants to win. But he wants to win with style.

Throughout his career, no one criticised his style of play.

It was only following his arrival at Old Trafford, when demanding supporters watched him replace the obvious industry of Carlos Tevez, the sniping began at a player Alex Ferguson was so convinced of that he broke the club record by spending £30.75 million (€34.7m).

“Yes,” he said, when asked if the claim he does not care bothers him.

“I always play like this. That is what got me here. You are not going to see me puffing around the pitch. There is a saying in Bulgaria that great quality doesn’t require much effort.”

Although there was one cataclysmic low, Berbatov experienced some dream days last year too.

The first United player to score a hat-trick against Liverpool in 64 years, a tally that included a magnificent overhead kick, the first non-Englishman to score five in a Premier League game, and the Golden Boot for his 20-goal haul.

“I didn’t know scoring three goals against Liverpool would mean so much to so many people,” he reflected.

“Obviously three goals — and the second one was a bit special — it will stay in my memory for ever.’’ !

Talking to Berbatov, it is clear that he does care, both about his team and his performance.

“As a good player, doing things the fans enjoyed,” he replied, when asked how he would like to be remembered.

“I always tend to think my goals are beautiful goals. That is what I want to score; beautiful goals, and create beautiful chances.”

How long will that attitude prevail at Old Trafford, where the challengers, all younger, are queuing up to oust him?

Berbatov does not answer. What he is prepared to concede is that once leaving United, the only way is down.

“Manchester United are at the top,” he said. “Where can you go from there? Maybe Barcelona. I don’t see anything else. If you go somewhere else it is a big step down.’’

* To read the full transcript of Simon Stone’s interview with Dimitar Berbatov go to www.irishexaminer.ie/sport/blog