The contracted transfer saga surrounding Dimitar Berbatov has finally come to a conclusion last night, with the official announcement that the Bulgarian striker had joined Fulham.
Dimitar Berbatov completed his second deadline-day move in four years, leaving United, who signed him from Tottenham Hotspurs for over £30 million in 2008. At Fulham, he will be reunited with his former Spurs boss in Martin Jol, who sanctioned significant spending on the final day of the transfer window, bringing in former United winger Kieran Richardson and Ashkan Dejagah.
Berbatov remains the headline act though, and at £5 million, represents something of a coup, considering that Serie A outfits Fiorentina and even Juventus expressed interest in the former United striker.
Dimitar Berbatov had struggled over the last 12 months to force his way into Sir Alex’s first team plans, and another change in playing style, and the notable signing of Robin Van Persie, meant that Berbatov was set to receive even less game time in the upcoming season, as Sir Alex explained on Friday at his press conference:
“He’s a very talented player and his contribution was good, particularly in home games. But when we changed our game, it didn’t suit him. We started to play with more speed and teams were getting organised very quickly against us.
“Therefore, we had to change the way we wanted to play and it didn’t suit Dimitar but he’s a very talented player. Wherever he goes, he’ll do well.”
Berbatov is positive about his move, demonstrating his desire to stay in the Premier League, stating he had been impressed by the set up at Fulham, and expressing his desire to do well for his new fans:
“I’m delighted to have signed for Fulham and I look forward to playing under Martin Jol once again. As soon as I was aware of Fulham’s interest, my decision to join was an easy one to make.
“I’m impressed with the setup here, and the people have made me feel welcome. There is a close and personal feel around the club, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Dimitar Berbatov leaves United after a successful three season spell at the club, in which he helped the club to two Premier League titles, even finishing the 2010/11 title winning season as top goalscorer. His hat-trick against Liverpool at Old Trafford in 2010 in a thrilling 3-2 win was the first scored by a United player in that fixture for 64 years, and will be fondly remembered by all United fans, as will the rest of his impressive highlights reel of lavish flicks and skills.
The striker leaves the club with a record of 56 goals in 149 games, many of which were played as a substitute, two Premier League and two League Cup titles, as he embarks on a new Premier League journey.
