Berbatov in Bulgaria: 'I'm Sorry'

United`s Dimitar Berbatov Scores 1st goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Fulham at the Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, Britain, 09 April 2011. Photo by EPA/BGNES

Dimitar Berbatov, Bulgaria's Man Utd star striker, returned to his homeland late on Tuesday, refusing to talk with journalists waiting for him on the Sofia airport.

"I am sorry" was the only phrase he uttered in front of news-hounds sent from the Bulgarian TV 7, apparently unhappy over missing his team's Champions League final.

The prolific striker arrived in Sofia together with two of his close friends, former CSKA teammates Todor Kyuchukov and Alexander Tomash, but without his wife Elena and daughter Dea, as it was expected.

Speculations of Berbarov's imminent quitting Manchester United are rife in the British press after the Bulgarian forward was omitted in his team's squad for the Champions League final Saturday.

ManUn went to lose 1:3 to Barcelona at London's Wembley in a game dominated by the Spanish team during the second half.

United's manager Sir Alex Ferguson, initally a staunch supporter of Berbatov, who was transferred for GBP 30 M from Tottenham in 2009, said Berbatov is too slow a player for a game that fast, thus substantiating his choice to keep Wayne Rooney among the reserves in his stead.

The Bulgarian striker just ended his best season with Manchester United and with Premiership's "golden boot" title. With 20 goals, Berbatov ended up tied with Carlos Tevez from Manchester City.

As reports said Berbatov and his club could not reach an agreement to extend their contract beyond this summer, rumors were spread he is on his way to be transferred out.  Recently, it was stated that Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp is assessing a move for former fans' favourite in a move which could cost upwards of USD 25 M.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!