Berbatov Snubs Bulgaria's Call for National Team Comeback

Fulham's new striker Dimitar Berbatov at his news conference in Sofia Monday. Photo by BGNES

Dimitar Berbatov, the former Bulgarian striker of Manchester United who has just been sold to Fulham, has refused the call of the Bulgarian national football team head coach Lyuboslav Penev to come back to defend the national colors.

Speaking to Bulgarian reporters on Monday, Berbatov explained he stands firm behind his decision from May 2010 when he quit the national team, apparently feeling uneasy in the team's scandalous atmosphere.

"Things are not as simple as they seem. Even if we leave aside the things that were [back then]. Lyuboslav Penev was the only one who made everything possible to make me feel welcome so that I can see that he wants me back," Berba said at a news conference in Sofia.

"We met at least twice, as friends. We discussed it but at the end of the day the choice I made in the past still stands today," he added.

In his words, his times has already "passed", and he would be unable to readjust to the routine at the Bulgarian national football team.

"I haven't been in the national squad for two years, I have certain habits of life, practice. My time is passing, it is time for you to look for somebody else. I hope that you will find him. I know that the boys will do well without me," Berbatov said without ever elaborating on the true reasons behind his unwillingness to play for Bulgaria.

He did admit he had told Bulgaria's head coach Penev that he would consider coming back.

"I can only wish them all the best," Berbatov said regarding Bulgaria's national football team.

Dimitar Berbatov announced at the beginning of May 2010 his retirement from international football with immediate effect. He was Bulgaria's captain and all-time top scorer with 48 goals in 74 matches, surpassing even the legendary Hristo Stoickov.

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