Soccer-Ex-Premier League striker Berbatov joins Indian club Kerala

[hafeezrocks]

SOFIA, Aug 23 ( Reuters) - Indian Super League's Kerala Blasters have signed former Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur striker Dimitar Berbatov ahead of the 2017-18 season, the player's agent said on Wednesday.

The 36-year-old, who has signed a one-year contract, was a free agent after leaving the Greek side PAOK Salonika in June 2016.

Berbatov, who is Bulgaria's all-time leading scorer with 48 goals in 79 matches, joined United from Spurs in 2008 for a then club-record fee of 30 million pounds ($39 million).

In Manchester, the Bulgarian scored 48 goals in 108 Premier League appearances, winning two league titles.

Berbatov will link up with Kerala's new head coach Rene Meulensteen, who worked with the him during his time at Old Trafford as well as Fulham. Last week, the Indian club also signed former Manchester United defender Wes Brown.

http://m.economictimes.com/news/spo...s-indian-club-kerala/articleshow/60191287.cms

India continues to pump money and Star Power into their Football.

 

[Snak3eye5]

Damn never heard of these guys. Are they any good ??

 

[Snak3eye5]

Aside from that it's worth noting that India is thinkIng differently in terms of strategy to market their kids and folks to other games besides cricket. Whether the gamble will pay off within the next decade or so needs to be seen...

 

[big_gamer007]

Damn never heard of these guys. Are they any good ??

You never heard of Wes brown or berbatov? They weren't your ronaldo's or messi's but were pretty good and considering they played for Manchester United during the glory days were pretty well known..

Are they any good now? I doubt so they are over the hill but will bring experience and big name to the ISL.. A kid sharing dressing room with berbatov or Wes brown will learn something I guess..

ISL still does not have the market or money or potential to recruit active good players so we are settling for has beens.. Maybe a few more years down the line we would have decent money and market to get active semi good players..

 

[Snak3eye5]

Thanks didn't know since I don't follow soccer much. So basically they're ok players but maybe past their prime...? I agree that if anything should boost the confidence of the younger Indian players.

 

[kaayal]

Thanks didn't know since I don't follow soccer much. So basically they're ok players but maybe past their prime...? I agree that if anything should boost the confidence of the younger Indian players.

Berbatov is one of the best player of ManU during their prime days with Ferguson. Those were their golden days when they won PL and champions league.

 

[Markhor]

A real hamdful on his day but lacked work ethic.

Still remember his hat-trick against us under Hodgson at OT.

 

[kaayal]

This time there is no reason to loss. Come on Kerala..

 

[cricketjoshila]

This time there is no reason to loss. Come on Kerala..

ATK will win...Robbie keane is better.

 

[kaayal]

ATK will win...Robbie keane is better.

Sorry Robbie keane but ATK is going to get a lifetime beating from KBFC this season.

 

[Slog]

Berbatov is one of the best player of ManU during their prime days with Ferguson. Those were their golden days when they won PL and champions league.

Berbatov never won CL

But he was quality

Its joke to say he wasnt a huge name

 

[Napa]

Damn never heard of these guys. Are they any good ??

Diego Forlan, the World Cup Golden Boot winner, played for Mumbai last season. You watch someone like Forlan, simply because you are watching a football legend, even though this is the twilight of his career.

ISL seems to rapidly becoming commercially viable. They paid Forlan $1 million for a 3 month season. In comparison the US premier league MLS pays $3.4 million for the entire roster except for the designated player.

 

[kaayal]

Berbatov never won CL

But he was quality

Its joke to say he wasnt a huge name

True. It was Wes brown who won 2 champions league.

 

[Yossarian]

Damn never heard of these guys. Are they any good ??

Whilst playing for Man Utd,:

West Brown, 5 Premiership wins, 2 FA cups, 3 League cups and 2 Champions League cups.
Berbatov, 2 Premiership wins, 1 League cup. (plus 1 League cup with Spurs).

 

[Yossarian]

Berbatov is one of the best player of ManU during their prime days with Ferguson. Those were their golden days when they won PL and champions league.

When exactly did you start watching football / Man Utd? Yesterday?

At his prime he was a good (but lazy) striker, but one of the "best player" during Man Utd's "prime days with Ferguson"? )

 

[kaayal]

When exactly did you start watching football / Man Utd? Yesterday?

At his prime he was a good (but lazy) striker, but one of the "best player" during Man Utd's "prime days with Ferguson"? )

If you say so then let it be. Grade berbatov as much as you want.

 

[kingusama92]

Berbatov was awesome.