Berba: Why I must go
Striker accuses Fergie of forcing him out with broken promises
LONDON: Dimitar Berbatov says it is ‘obvious’ he must leave Manchester United this summer.
The striker started five league games this term – despite United taking a year’s option on his contract in March – and admits to a fall-out with boss Alex Ferguson.
Berbatov said: “We talked 10 times, he told me there would be a place for me but I stayed on the bench.
“My time at Manchester United is running out. I no longer feel like a valuable part of this team.
“I think I did well in the few opportunities that I received.
“I am a little frustrated by the way this happened, I do not think I deserved it.
“But I have dignity and I stopped going to such meetings, it is clear that I’m leaving United. It’s obvious that I have to leave.
“I’m looking for a new place now. I know I can still play at the highest level.”
Berbatov has been linked in the media with several clubs from Italy, Germany, France and Turkey, but he said he would not join United’s city rivals Manchester City.
“I would never join Man City, I am a loyal person after all,” he said.
“I had the opportunity to sign for City in the past, but I chose United.”
Berbatov, who is Bulgaria’s alltime leading scorer with 48 goals, joined United from Tottenham Hotspur in 2008 for £30.7mil (Us$48.53mil).
Meanwhile Patrice Evra has put the boot into former team-mate Carlos Tevez.
The Manchester United defender said Tevez lacks any respect after he was pictured holding up a banner mocking Ferguson.
City striker Tevez is still refusing to apologise for carrying a fans’ placard saying ‘RIP Fergie’ during last week’s open-top bus parade to celebrate their Premier League triumph.
Evra rapped: “I was very surprised by Tevez’s attitude against Sir Alex Ferguson.
“I’m not sure how the manager feels about it but I’m sure he won’t be impressed.
“It’s disrespectful. Tevez spent two years at this club and was treated extremely well by the manager so I don’t really understand his reaction or the truth about the situation.” — Agencies