Berbatov blasts critics in self-interview

PAOK Salonika striker Dimitar Berbatov hit back at his critics in a bizarre interview he conducted with himself on his Facebook page.

Former Manchester United and Spurs striker Dimitar Berbatov has interviewed himself in a bizarre Facebook posting to express frustration at criticism aimed at him following a recent sending off for PAOK Salonika.

The former Bulgaria international, who has also played for Monaco and Fulham, interviewed himself on Tuesday following PAOK's 1-0 defeat at second-placed AEK Athens at the weekend.

Berbatov was criticised for a lack of commitment after being sent off only 17 minutes after coming on as a second-half substitute.

In response, the mercurial frontman published an interview with journalist Dimitar Berbatov.

"Some media say you don't want to play for PAOK anymore?," asked journalist Dimitar Berbatov.

"This is why I am giving interview to you, and not to people who are coming up with stupid things like this," Berbatov replied.

"This is not true and with this kind of talks some people are trying to harm the team.

"PAOK is my team now and I fight for my team, even if this means a red card sometimes."

Berbatov said playing in such a game against AEK was exactly why he joined PAOK.

"This was a derby where my quality and experience can help the team and not for me to stay on the bench and do nothing," Berbatov said.

Berbatov, known for his languid style, received his first red card in more than 13 years for elbowing a defender.

"If the passion for football decreases and I stop getting angry, stop yelling and gesticulate on the pitch, then I don't care for football or the team I am playing for," he said.

"The passion is gone."

Berbatov, Bulgaria's all-time leading scorer, turns 35 on Saturday.


Share

2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world