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Berbatov: I want to stay at Tottenham
Simon Johnson, Evening Standard7 Jan 2008
Dimitar Berbatov has had a bust-up with his agent Emil Dantchev and insisted that he does not want to leave Tottenham.
Berbatov was interviewed on Bulgarian television last night and claimed he was angry over Dantchev's comments that he wanted to sign for a bigger club.
Dantchev was quoted last week as saying the 26-year-old striker was desperate to leave White Hart Lane in order to win silverware and that
Tottenham should accept any big offers for him this month.
Spurs manager Juande Ramos has since put a British record transfer fee of £31million on the Bulgarian's head if Chelsea and Manchester United, his two main admirers, want to buy him.
United are prepared to wait until the summer to make a move, while Chelsea, who also want Nicolas Anelka, are considering making a bid of around £25m.
But Berbatov maintains he is not interested in a move away from Spurs and is adamant Dantchev's comments do not represent what he feels.
He said: “There are too many speculations around my name, but most of them are foolish. It's absurd and I'm tired of seeing my name in the newspapers. I want to live in peace. It is getting too much.
“I am a Tottenham player and I'm trying to give my best, so I can help my team. I'm happy when we play well and I'm miserable when we lose our games.
“I'm happy at the moment. You can win titles and medals with every team and I can win with Tottenham too.”
Spurs have grown frustrated themselves with Dantchev. Only in August, the agent claimed they had turned down a large offer from Manchester United.
Berbatov insisted that he enjoys playing under Ramos, although he believes the Spaniard's £31m valuation of him is not realistic.
He added: “It's ridiculous, I don't think that I'm worth so much money. I just have to do my job and score goals. I'm not a one-man team. Everybody in the team supports me and I've never heard a reproach or felt envy.
“Juande is very good, both as a man and as a coach. He sees even the small details that remain hidden from most people.”
Captain Ledley King admitted Berbatov is a unique character, but maintained the situation is not having a bad effect on the dressing room.
He said: “I'm not worried. With top players there is always going to be people linking you with a move. It's no surprise, but we want to keep hold of our best players.
“Dimitar is a complex character, but he is a great lad to have around. I don't know how to put it, but on the pitch he is like a magician. Often with these types of people there is that element to them. He is a grown man and he will do what he wants at the end of the day.”
Reader views (3)
Good for Berba! The trouble is that even when he issues such denials, reiterates his commitment to the team, club and fans of Tottenham, speaks glowingly of Juande Ramos, and then says that 'we' all are determined to improve and aim for the top, there are other people who don't want 'the Berbatov story' that they keep stoking up, to die. A lot of people around Britain, Europe and much further afield, have come to admire his performances and his sheer skill while playing for Spurs, and long may that continue as he helps inspire, and be inspired, by fellow players.
- Peter, West London, 08/01/2008 01:14
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Well, it's about time too, I'm glad Berba said this.
Why should he leave? He likes playing with Robbie Keane, I hope they become the most feared partnership and take us all the way to the final.
I don't think Berba is a Man Utd player, can't see him having a understanding with anyone.
Thanks Berba. Now we need Riquelme to link up with him.
- Adrian Johnson, London, 07/01/2008 17:34
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I know Fergie cannot be tempted to bid in January. We shall wait until the summer. Hopefully, Dimitar will be consistent throughout, til then, for his performance is under microscope by the United bench. It would be good to see him some day....
- WD, Ndola, Zambia, 07/01/2008 14:58
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