Dimitar Berbatov announced his retirement on Thursday, closing out a two-decade professional career.
The Bulgarian striker never flashed much pace in the helter skelter Premier League. But it didn’t matter. Over his eight seasons in the Premier League, Berbatov may go down in history for the greatest technical player in the Premier League era. I mean, just look at this first touch!
[ VIDEO: Premier League highlights ]
Dimitar Berbatov has officially announced his retirement from football. There'll never be a touch like his again...😎pic.twitter.com/BuqYbgUxQW
— BenchWarmers (@BeWarmers) September 19, 2019
Look at how nonchalantly Berbatov brought down that 50-yard bomb from across the field, controlling it as if he was just juggling the ball three feet in the air to himself. That slow, methodical play was evident for Berbatov across his time with Tottenham, Manchester United and Fulham, but it didn’t matter, because he always ended up in the right place in the box to score, or he could pick out a pass to set up a teammate. He even had a few dribbling tricks.
Seeeee ya! 👋
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 19, 2019
As Dimitar Berbatov confirms his retirement from professional football, this #ThrowbackThursday gives us another look at one of the greatest Premier League assists ever...🤤🎁 pic.twitter.com/pnRazzDkUx
Berbatov finished his Premier League career with 94 goals and 40 assists in 229 games. He joined Tottenham after a stellar five-year run with Bayer Leverkusen in 2006 and immediately became a fan favorite. In 2008, he made a then-Man United record transfer to Old Trafford for around a reported $38 million. After four seasons and 48 league goals, Berbatov moved to Fulham for another couple of years before heading back abroad.
During his time in England, Berbatov left crowds stunned with stupendous goals, flicks and tricks. Here’s a collection of some of his best highlights.
Berba was just something else 🤯#MUFC pic.twitter.com/obiJWuYCBM
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 20, 2019
cultural impact
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 20, 2019
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dimitar berbatov literally
at #MUFC anything else pic.twitter.com/frCI2LVMOY
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— Premier League (@premierleague) September 19, 2019
Dimitar Berbatov has announced his retirement 😢
We will never forget his legendary finishing in the #PL, including this 5⃣ -goal haul for @ManUtd against Blackburn 🤩 pic.twitter.com/0Rzg4efUy9
He had a habit of doing things that were a bit special 🇧🇬✨
— FIFA (@FIFAcom) September 19, 2019
Best of luck in your retirement Dimitar Berbatov! 💪pic.twitter.com/7h06snZIxY
