Dramatic U-Turn: Berbatov Sets Condition for Bulgaria Return

Dimitar Berbatov has repeatedly said that the decision about leaving Bulgaria's national football team was not taken lightly, but it is final. Photo by BGNES

Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov, who announced last year his withdrawal as captain of the national team, may be heading back to Bulgaria but under one condition, local media reports say.

Berbatov is willing to play for the national team of his homeland again if the man that forced him turn his back on Bulgaria - Yordan Lechkov – is kicked out of the Bulgarian Football Union, Tema Sports magazine reported, citing insiders.

According to the report the football star shared his plans with the current captain of the national team Stiliyan Petrov, who is very keen to bring him back and hand over the captain's band back to him.

Dimitar Berbatov admitted last month that he is not part of the national team because of "some people in the Bulgarian Football Union".

"He only knows how to criticize but he can't see what he looks like," Berbatov said, referring to Yordan Lechkov, best known as a key member of the Bulgarian football squad that finished fourth at the 1994 World Cup in the United States.

Lechkov, who is currently serving as mayor of the town of Sliven, did not hesitate to strike back, insulting Berbatov. According to him the Manchester United striker "is the best football player among artists and the best artist among football players".

Dimitar Berbatov announced at the beginning of May last year his retirement from international football with immediate effect. He was captain of his country and scored a national record 48 goals in just 74 matches.

He has repeatedly said that the decision about leaving Bulgaria's national football team was not taken lightly, but it is final.

British media have commented that Berbatov may be considering a dramatic career U-turn after his international retirement failed to boost his club career as expected.

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