Dimitar Berbatov says Manchester United s history and tradition made it easy to dismiss a lucrative offer to join Manchester City in 2008.
Ex-Bulgaria international Berbatov won two Premier League titles in four seasons at Old Trafford after signing for a reported £30million from Tottenham.
He featured in the Champions League final loss to Barcelona in his debut campaign and went on to become a fan favourite, although the 37-year-old claims he could well have turned out for United s crosstown rivals.
Approached amid an overhaul that saw Robinho, Vincent Kompany and Pablo Zabaleta head to the Etihad Stadium, Berbatov insists he only ever had eyes for Alex Ferguson s side.
I don t think it was that close, to be honest, the striker told FourFourTwo. My agent told me about some interest but I said, Don t even bother mentioning anyone else, I m going to Man United, because of the history, the players, the tradition, everything.
I think it was the night before City signed Robinho from Real Madrid and my agent said: Berba, there s another team in for you. I said: F*** off, we re going to Man United.
He said: But they ll give you more money! It s not all about the money sometimes, though. I was like a horse with blinkers.
Dimitar Berbatov. A true great.
Describe Berba in one word
We ll start: class
— Manchester United (@ManUtd)
For me it was the right decision because going to the top of the mountain was my dream, especially when you come from Eastern Europe, from a small town, and no one has done it before you.
It was a great feeling.
Berbatov left United for Fulham in 2012 and had subsequent spells with Monaco, PAOK and Indian Super League side Kerala Blasters.
