After being interview by Sky Sports after our 3-2 win over Liverpool, Dimitar Berbatov gave an interview with a Bulgarian TV network in his native tongue.
Here is the translation, with Berbatov being referred to as Mitko, the name he is known by in his home country.
Mitko you have had a troubled time…
I wouldn’t say troubled. I am not troubled. I am lucky. I have loved my time here.
A disappointing time. Would you say that?
I was disappointed with myself that I could not please all the supporters. I have said before the people of Manchester United are the judges and that is the way it should be. It is their team. I am a guest. A privileged guest.
This season what has changed?
Man, I don’t know but I’m just so happy. So confident. I feel like everything I imagine on the pitch will come true and that feels awesome. I have worked hard on my fitness. So hard. I’m not a weights guy, I’m sure you can see by my body, but I have been trying even to work on that. I ran 6 miles every day during the off season. I watched one World Cup match, went for a run. Then watched another and went for another run. This was my routine.
Wow…you must be tired!
No man that’s the thing. This crowd at Old Trafford. The way I feel right now. I’m not tired. I feel alive. I have always said I am so lucky to play here. For these people. For this manager. For this club. With these players. I can’t describe it man.
It is showing. Keep it up Mitko. What will you do now. Will you watch your goals?
No. Noooooooo! I can’t watch myself. Even when I came off and everyone was applauding I felt so shy. I love it but I don’t know how to react to it. I’m going to go home. Play with my family and maybe watch a movie later. I can’t wait for training. How weird is that?!
Man Utd News 24/7
Top bloke, absolute star!
Simply a legend!
should of sold this attitude 2 years ago and kept this one
http://therepublikofmancunia.com/this-is-how-it-feels-to-be-city-part-i/
What an interview..I am simply blown away by Berba’s modesty and dedication to the club..I’m confident that this will be his season..the difference from last year is that he’s a lot more confident..and your not a guest lad..you are a LEGEND..keep it up..
p.s what does mitko mean??
F*ckin love you. Just keep it up
Well, this might explain his fitness. He seemed able to hold off the more physical defenders, and even outpace some of them.
Humble guy, that is. Go for it Berba. Rooting for you.
Great interview from the master in his prime.
I just love this man more and more.
similar to scholes in his interviews,.
utd4life: Mitko is a common nickname for Dimitar. It doesn’t mean anything. It’s similar to you (English and Americans) calling someone whose name is William – Bill. We (bulgarians) call a person whose name is Dimitar – Mitko.
Has anyone got a link to a video of berba being subbed off and the ovation he got?
I love it when the entire stadium applauds one of our players, more so when it’s berba
Such a humble lad. Well done Berba. keep it up. When Rooney gets going too defenders in the League are in for a nightmare.
Gary pallister was spot on ” Irrespective of what he did before and will do later, his performance today officially makes him a United legend”, who can disagree?
@ utd4life
In Bulgarian “Mitko” is short for “Dimitar” as in English “Bill” for “William” for example.
His genius has been there to see for everyone, but his confidence made it flow bigtime
And on that note I’ll go watch the second goal for the 154th time now 
P.S. Mitko is a nickname coming from his name Dimitar – Dimitko – Mitko
Right then
I need to start running 6 miles : )
For United For Costas May 2011
Instant legend!
not going to watch his goals, especially the 2nd one? come on berba! you cant be that shy..
anyways fantastic interview
I really hoped that this would be a harbinger of things to come, and that Berbatov could be the main man we look to to find some way of winning the game. He showed shades of that against Everton, and he may well have done it there had we not thrown away the lead too late to mount a comeback.
Last season all we had was Rooney. Berbatov, who is more creative, is perhaps more useful to be that man, and we also have Nani and Wayne again when he finds his form.
Not quite an instant legend, but he will be if he drags us over the line to that glorious number 19.
He doesn’t want to watch his own goals?
Top, top player!
His retirement for the national team has finally paid off.
@utd4life
In Bulgarian Mitko is dimunitive for Dimitar.
Just like in English – Bill for William, Dick for Richard, etc.
Well done Berba, great interview, to be honest he’s only ever said the right things since he’s been hers and is obvious tha united’s his dream club. Have never been Berba’s biggest fan but this season he’s looking sublime on a consistent basis and against the top teams. I remember being excited when we got Berba two years ago and how deflated I felt with him on the pitch in majority of the games in that time. But I’m so happy that he’s coming good now and long may it continue. Glory Glory Man United!
Quality player, quality man.
i love this guy. He doesnt run for nothing. he already said it he cant just run aimlessly like most english players. Thats why people erroneously think he is lazy. he is just a shy, modest, cool family guy. i love him
Sell Berba Buy Benzema
: )
Excellent example to the younger players. Nani and Berba are currently United’s attacking stars. Both players for differing reasons have been derided by the fans. But both have worked hard, listened to Fergie and become more effective in games. It’s amazing the difference confidence brings.
He’s always been questioned about his performances and lack of goals in big games. He’s finally delivered, although you could argue that Liverpool are no longer a big team – but it’s still a big fixture. Would love him to make fools of City and Chelea now too.
Yesterday was glorious.
All this while he’s been thinking how to get better and please us. Thatz the kind of players we need in our team… Passion, dedication to the club. Love you Mitko
Anyone think Ando had lost a bit of chunk yesterday?
@God Berba & wampeters
Thanks mates..love you Mitko…
@Triggs
Yeah i noticed that too
Hope he’s fitter and will be able to play 90minutes again soon
I think with him on top form and fletcher too we’ll be able to play a 4.4.2 at any ground against anyone but i’m just glad to have him back hope its the turnin point with him
So the next time he has a slightly poorer game can we please read this article again before we slate him like he’s some sort of low life scouse scum? After that it will be hard to say a bad thing about him. Us fans just have a very bad memory, unless you’re talking about liverpool fans since all they have is memories.
I feel sorry for Berbatov – first he said he didn’t see the ball go in the net, just heard the reaction. Now he says he won’t watch the goals?! The poor guy will never see one of the best goals I’ve ever seen scored for United!!
lazy berbatov won’t even watch his own goals on replay.
Mitko, correct me if I’m wrong, is the diminutive of Dimitar.
Think Al, for Alexander, Liz for Elizabeth in the English.
Great interview though, and really good to see the confidence finally shining through.
@Gorro66
Damn ya got there before me.
Dimi seems like such a nice guy, not arrogant like most footballers, but I think this makes him worry too much sometimes. His passing, control and technique have always been amazing but with a bit of self-belief he’s showing that he can get goals too. The idiots who have booed him in the past should be ashamed of themselves; he needs support, not criticism.
It’s a shame some “supporters” didn’t support Berba when he wasn’t scoring a goal a game.
I can imagine a player like Roy Keane taking criticism like that and turning it into better performances; but for Berba it just seems to have been a blow to his confidence.
His interview brought tears to my eyes!
Mitko is short for Dimitar, like Mike for Michael.
Well said Mitko.
Sell Berbatov and buy Fabiano.
jiust saw the interview on mu tv and sky sports we made up a song for berbatov on the way honme yesterday a bit like roanldo we try and get it going for the bolton ganme not going to the carling cup tickets gone like a flash
That is such a nice interview, made me quite emotional… the guy desrved better from our fans from day one, he signed for us even though untold riches were being dangled in front of him by the neighbours – just that commitment alone means he will always have my support
Berba is so humble! I’m getting a Berba jersey soon! Let’s hope Wazza do a Berba in his next few games…
Jonny – Roy Keane wouldn’t give a toss about criticism, but Berba strikes me as a guy who probably takes any criticism to heart.
Good on ya Berba!
off topic
dont know if this has been posted but worth a look
http://www.stretford-end.com/blog/2010/09/stretford-end-com-exclusive-united-monitoring-ronaldo-situation/
on topic
take a bow dimitar
true, and now every bloody United supporter loves him suddenly.. Especially the ones who never believed in him! Really happy for the lad! keep up the good work dimi!
He’s such a nice lad.Ha,and a shy one too.The fact that he always thinks that United is the only way up is simply enough for anyone to love the guy. The hefty price tag was the thing that was putting the pressure on him all this while. I’m elated he’s coming good now, his abilities were never ever at doubt,but it is inevitable that the ABU press plus some of our own fans would torment him for his lack of goal action.Just imagine what confidence has done to him. To see him smile heartily on the pitch,something that he didn’t really do freely last 2 seasons when he scored, is a wonderful feeling.
I feel like squashing the guy in a hug.Very happy for him and for us!
You the man Berba,you the man
I was never really worried about his work-rate nor his personality before.
My only criticism was of his overall performance as a striker, but only because I knew he could do much better.We were all crying for him to play further up the pitch, and now that he is doing that he is banging in goals. It’s really simple; if you’re playing closer to goal, you’ll get more chances, especially with his fantastic technique.
Combine that positional change and his overall better fitness, you get the whole package like we did yesterday.
If Rooney could wake up and smell the coffee soon, we could have a devastating strike force this season.
Ulster Red – Can’t see it happening, but we can dream lol. I see one of the comments was from GHTT, didn’t see him on ROM yesterday.
willie
he was the one who sent the story to me over facebook but didnt see it being on here…yea we can dream, if they win nothing this year it might just happen
Ulster Red- That boy Ronaldo, when he was here he talked about them. When he’s there now he’s talking about us. Ha, but who’s complaining even if it happens. And this is not to mean that we missing him, but i don’t know i’ve felt he sort of belonged to us.
Last season I was suggesting that Berbatov should be transferred for lack of commitment, energy etc. This season he is a DIFEERENT player. I eat my words. SORRY BERBA
KingOfStretfordEnd
i know its funny how it works out that way, i reckon we would all welcome him back with open arms, but as you say its not as if we depend on it, but as GHTT said to me we need cover for Tony V
Berba goals
http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/5307/berba1stgoal2keepers.gif
http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/9615/berba2nd.gif
http://img541.imageshack.us/img541/7783/berba3rda.gif
off topic – here is chelsea blog announcing winner of their banner competition – here is the link http://transparentsport.com/cfcuk/story.php?id=101871 and I think it’s hilarious !
Ulster Red
Yep,i think he’ll be welcomed back with open arms
Ah and Tony V.The pain returns.I realised that Berba had temporarily alleviated the agony of losing Tony V to the horrendous injury.
Berba’s crucial, and he’s in form at the right time.We’ve got important games coming up-like the Valencia away. Berba do your job man.You the man, we say.
Valencia are looking very good this season so far, top of the table in La Liga despite losing silva and villa….I wonder if it is time for SAF to play Berbatov in that game, it has to be with his form.
Humble berba pie take that u berba haters.. legend in the making!!!
Valencia’s really strong far. And definitely, Sir Alex has to put Berba in that game. It’s probably written down on the team sheet already.
KingOfStretfordEnd
berba has been outstanding his goal against everton was a reqal strikers goal strength pace and a great finish, yesterdays goal reminded me of rivaldo all them years back for barca when he scored a overhead kick in injury time to send them into the CL spot…two goals fit to win any football match
I never had any doubt about his class or commitment. Never doubted the fact, also, that he would bring another dimension to our team. It was obvious that he just totally wanted to play for us — those stories about turning down more money from shitty, all of his comments since joining. It is obvious that he’s humble and that he cares deeply about this club. I am not sure of he has suffered a confidence issue, or whether criticism was hurting him. Maybe. But sometimes you can want something so much that it actually holds you back.
I’m still not prepared to write off the last two seasons as a “failure”, not by any definition. Even though the goals didn’t exactly flow, I still think he brought a lot to the team in other ways.
Interesting discussion about his positioning — getting up into the box. The EPL site’s player page has a graphic that shows his most prolific scoring position, by far (and for Spurs and us, both), is right at the edge of the box, dead center on the goal. Just over half of all his PL goals have come from that area, and in every season, it’s his best spot. It also happens to be Rooney’s best position, although he has also scored a fair chunk from the right edge of the box too.
I just hope people are realistic about Berba, because while I hope that he can continue in this rich form, it is too much to expect he will at better than 1 per game over the entire season! It wouldn’t surprise me to see his form fluctuate with Rooney’s, so that (hopefully) one of them is always on song. Of course, it would be great to see them both firing together.
The big quandary for SAF now will be the CL games. Since CR left, SAF’s strategy has been to pack the midfield and play a lone striker. That tended to be Rooner, leaving Berbatov out in the cold. I, along with many others, never saw this is a slight on Berbatov; more a reflection of SAF’s desire to keep 3 in the middle while still having 2 wide. And yet I have always thought that Berbatov’s ability to hold the ball up, and to create space and time for others in and around the penalty box, was just what we need in Europe.
With Berbatov’s stunning form right now, it will be interesting to see how SAF handles this in Europe. Will he stick with a lone striker? And if he does, will it be Berbatov or Rooney (I guess that might change as form fluctuates)? Or will he “risk” playing 2 in the middle, and 2 wide, with both strikers? or maybe even push Rooney wider? Hmm. Fortunately, we are a team blessed with a tactical genius as our manager, who is not adverse to experimenting, and our squad has the varied talents and skills to execute a number of different formations and tactical plans. I can’t wait to see how this pans out!
(Apologies for long rambling post…)
Right its simple really, show your appreciation for the man by getting down to the megastore and get a Berba shirt. If you want to make the man feel special and you really do appreciate him then all the stretty end turn around when Berbas in the penalty area waiting for a corner and show him your shirts with his name on it.
Or you could hate the Glazers and not bother. ???????????
Ulster Red
Absolutely agree. Now we know how that pace came about. 6 miles after every WC game. The 2nd goal yesterday,i was shocked. I wasn’t even prepared for it.That brilliant man. But the 3rd goal was sweet. Berba made Carragher look small.
KingOfStretfordEnd
well he put the effort in and now he is getting his rewards, i bet you he feels top of the world right now and privalleged to be so!
He’s fucking awesome. Been backing him since he joined in 08. Proud of you my Berb!
At long last. He understood the importance of our shirt !
What can i say? The man can play
@Zulu-Malta … I sort of disagree. As far as I can tell, reading the man’s comments since the day he joined, he’s always understood the importance of our shirt. He’s always been open about that, and never shied away from saying so. Only difference now is that he’s saying when he’s on top, where before he was saying it when people were bagging him. Before, it might have sounded like he was being humble because he knew he had nothing to crow about; now he’s got plenty to crow about, but he ain’t crowing … he really is humble and devoted and really does feel privileged to be wearing our shirt. Proves he’s the real deal in attitude … as well in sheer fucking footballing genius! Cheers!
kinda off topic read today rooney turned down$140k a week wants $160k not sure how i feel about this with all the money footballers make to turn down a contract for $20k seems petty and he’s been off form for awhile,to all the lads talking about ronaldo didn’t real get a crazy buy out clause in his contract and would utd really pay 80mill+ to get him back don’t think its really realistic.alot of threads on berba i’ve always backed him to come good the guy has been the consummate team player since day one never complaining about anything just going about buisness,patience is a virture comes to mind he deserves all the accolades
Not a legend in the making. He’s a legend already. Until players score hat tricks regularly against Pool, Berbatov’s hat trick has made him a legend.
The two things I will never forget about his United career – his pirouette assist for CR, and this hat trick.
Looking forward to seeing 3 – 4 good years from him now.
I’d much rather have Tevez………. HAHAHAHA
Oh God…do I have to fall in love with Berba all over again? I haven’t gotten over him yet.
Costas – what do I do now, dude?
I LOVE YOU, BERB!
Any left footed strikers in the squad? Just wonderin…
Wayne – Nothing but paper talk atm, lets wait and see what Gill, or SAF says about Rooneys contract situation.
He is indeed shy but very sincere. I was surprised to see him so much more muscular in person than on TV – I guess this explains it. As a friend of mine who’s a biology professor would say – “he’s a perfect specimen for an Anatomy class!”
And I can say proudly now that I have met a United LEGEND. Oh that brings tears to my eyes… it’s a humbling experience.
Humble, humble Berbatov. You ain’t a guest, you are our super VIP. Go for it!
@willierednut i thought the contract was a done deal and was going to be signed after the world cup so i was wondering what was going on then you heard the rumors he wanted to move to europe to get away from the british press and the rumors he turned down the contract,his heads clearly not in the game right now looks a shadow of himself,worrying me
Wayne – Rooneys a home bird, he’s going nowhere mate. I think contract are more complicated these days, image rights etc, no need to worry imo.
Like a kid in puberty, can’t wait for the next game. Glory Glory Manchester United!
@willierednut i’m sure your right just needs to get all of the off field stuff behind him and get back to form
Would be good to see all the comments past and present on Berba Im sure there are a few fans who should be holding their hands up and apologsing – What did many fans call him on here? Berbaflop?
The endless argumnet last season on Tevez and Berba, few continually thought his corner but was almost laughed at.
Congrats Berba you derserve the plaudits as many as wrote you off mate!
giggs11gerrard0 – It is easy to say now oh the idiots for saying tevez would have been better to keep. I still would not have changed what I said that I thought berbatov did not fit into our system, and he looked mentally weak, I do like players with that big time attitude like cantona had etc etc. He is doing well but like we say in the title race it is only september we have only just began.
Amazing interview, inspiring answers. There is not a footballer on the planet with a better attitude than this man. Well, maybe Giggsy…. and Scholes…. but actually they have never been tested so probably not, we’ll never know. To have taken some of the unfair abuse that he has from our more impatient, unintelligent fans and still have such a greatful, respectful attitiude toward the club is commendable. This guy deserves nothing but adulation.
like everyone else here, i really enjoyed that interview. The man has class, so glad its starting to translate into goals.
Anybody know of the stream yet for Bury United reserve match or the teams.
@ ulster red: After Barca, Real Madrid is the team where the coach has the least influence on transfers so cant see mourinhos future playing any part in this. Also, CR fits perfectly into their galactico theme and is also their best player.
SuBerb from our Mitko! I hold legendary status in a bit more reserve than some here.
But am absolutely over the moon for our rapturous Bulgarian. In my view his accomplishments
yesterday include:
The game winner that shut up Liverpool = extraordinary
The score that made sure nobody remembers that little gerry clawed back 2 after being gifted by the lineman = extraordinary again
The fact that the second goal was so sublime that it may yet become immortalized a goal among goals = beyond extraordinary.
The fact that Dimitar Berbatov scored a hat trick against Liverpool at Old Trafford = way way beyond extraordinary. Truly celestial, in point of fact.
Though I will reserve the tittle of legendary, I do recognize that this last point represents a singular accomplishment. A feat that I have never witnessed, and may never again. Thank you Mr Berbatov for this memory. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I never doubted your class, and am honored that you wear this shirt.
i miss GHHT
@Rooney the new king
I was not having a go mate and not calling people idiots, i was trying to highlight as you have we are only in Sept and we have gone from Berba being a flop to a genious?
Berba could not do anything last year to please the mass majority but now he is being compared to Cantona on MOTD for example.
Sell Berba
Resign
Hailey McQueen lol : )
GHTT is fine and is in the middle of enlightenment : )
@eric the king denis law:
Been away for a couple of days mate. Can you fill me in on Gotta Hate..?
@MG, Thanks mate, Class bloke our GHTT.
FletchTHEMAN
: ) No sweat mate
I would like to have the honour of cutting and pasting (me of all people yes I know : ) something I have written on the other blog
Buy a Berba goal foundation is officially closed
With Love
ROM
: )
Loved Berbatov when he was at Tottenham. Loved Berbatov when he was taking abuse from ‘so called’ Utd fans. Love Berbatov now. Those that were having a go at him can hang their head in shame.
Now lets get onto what really needs to be addressed.. OUR DEFENSE!
Hoping once Rio gets back, him and Vidic will be a rock again and we can start smashing teams. Anyone have any thoughts as to why we are conceding so many? I’m not buying the whole lapse in concentration thing.
Here’s my opinion… 1) John O’Shea is not a right back 2) As highly as I rate J Evans I don’t think he is at the same level of his counterparts Vidic or Rio.. YET. Thoughts?
@Giggs … I hear what you’re saying, and I agree. I’ve been a staunch supporter and defender of Berbatov ever since he arrived. Right now, I think all we can say is that (a) yesterday, he did a legendary thing, and (b) he clearly has it in him to become a true legend of the club. Whether he does or not will depend on how things pan out over the rest of this season, and the rest of his career with us. That remains to be seen (I am not being pessimistic, just realistic). But for now, I’m happy to sit back and enjoy what he’s doing from match to match. Arguments about his legacy can be left to the future, which is where they belong. Cheers!
MG I seen that he gets down about some of the people on this but i found him on twetter and he is still veryfunny. do you know him ?
Berba himself burried all his haters.
eric the king denis law
Are we talking about GHTT?
I am beginning to know him – top bloke – top man – and of course he’s Emily’s dad meaning he’s second fiddle to the kid and I hope he doesn’t mind me saying that : )
Right lads, GHTT is not dead, he’s just hasn’t been on ROM the last few days ffs.
mg yeah little emilys dad , i found him on twitter hes http://twitter.com/GHTT_ very funny bloke. he will be back on this i hope.
There’s nothing wrong with our defence or the team come to that.
OMG,
FUTURE LEGEND??!!
What a wonderful player, wonderful character ! A true professional who loves playing for the club !
RE Legendary:
Interesting discussion about the use of “Legendary”. One might ask, are we talking about small “l” legendary, or big “L” legendary? I think this is all getting a bit blurry and bogged down in word craft. A “Legendary player” as opposed to a “legendary thing”. On ordinary footballing days, I prefer not to drag the word legendary around. It is too emotional a thing for discussion of particular events or things. It is properly used only in hindsight, and then only when it truly represents a view held by virtually all the fans, looking back over a career and reflecting absolute contributions over a recognized period of time. What would be legendary for lesser teams, may not raise to that bar for Manchester United.
In my view, Legendary is reserved for Players, or teams, full stop. To become legendary as a player for Manchester United, your accomplishments must be widely regarded as being an essential component in Uniteds progress toward winning trophies, hopefully over several years. Wining goals in a regular league game will not raise to this, unless that goal is widely viewed as essential to winning the league or a cup. Some on here have an even higher bar, suggesting longevity is also essential. There are other things that can raise to the level, devotion of a career to the cause, or in some cases a life. At United, the bar is fairly high.
The current discussion is about a legendary thing, and folks are tossing about weather it is worthy of raising the man up. I would rather just recognize this hat trick as a unique and extraordinary thing. My personal view is that we can save dispensing legendary status for later. In view of a season, or a career, at United.
He took time to acclimatize – it aint easy being a 30 Mil striker and playing for manutd.com performing from DAY 1. There were problems, plus Rooney was on song and the team was built around his play more.
I guess the problems back home might have contributed to his circumspect attitude. But with the work he and the manutd staff have put in its showing and showing well. I don’t think we have a great chance to the champions league final but if Berba really brings it on and Rooney is on form we may start banging in goals. My worry is the defense and midfield appears too light for champions league and Chelsea. L.Diarra would be a perfect buy in Jan provided he is not cup tied.
lol how weird is that??
giggs11gerrard0 – yea I know but for me he is doing well I do not want to hype players or put to much on anyone to much early on. Rooney last year when he was doing well early on – I said once to ppl at work wait and see with rooney. But like I said I was one of the berbatov doubters and sometimes a berbatov basher not a ass-hole I will give proper constructive pointers, but calling him names. But last year he never did step up to the plate when we needed him too especially when rooney got injured
but I will be a man and say yes I never had much faith in the guy, so far he has proved me wrong
@ rooney the new king … can’t ask much more than that. I’ve been through similar things myself, with Nani for one. Still going through it with Ando. And I for one am not going to rub anyone’s nose in it. ANd from the sound of it, neither is Berbatov! Cheers!
Dimitar to Mitko is like William to Bill
@Sanj says:
I’d much rather have Tevez………. HAHAHAHA
That had me cracking up…hahahahaha good one mate !
The interview just says it all……the humility, especially the “priveleged guest’ comment is just unbelievable…..Mitko, take a bow..Well done!
Keep it up Berba, all united fans and bulgarians are proud of you now! You have become a big part of united squad!
“p.s what does mitko mean??”
It means nothing, just short name of Dimitar
@RTNK
Indeed mate, I am currently in a similar position with Jonny Evans, I desperatley hope he makes me eat my words.
When he played for Spurs, his goals and assists were legendary. So, when he arrived upon the Old Trafford stage, everyone had high expectations. However, Man Utd are a special team and we play in a certain way. It’s often difficult for stars from other clubs to get used to playing that way. Watching his sublime touches and ability to create time with and on the ball is a feat that very few can achieve (think Cantona etc). This hattrick, especially against the old enemy has elevated his staus, if not to legendary, then utter magnificence would be the next best.
Sell him