The former Aston Villa senior star was once heavily criticised for his ‘inappropriate comment’ about his teammate, who was at that time, the best player in the club.
Aston Villa once signed a senior experienced star from Czech Republic, Patrik Berger back in the summer 2005. He was once considered one of the most exciting talents from Eastern Europe alongside Pavel Nedved, Karel Poborsky, Vladimir Smicer and Radek Bjebl after shockingly helped his country reach the final in EURO 1996. Berger scored the penalty in the final which gave them the lead. It put his name on the map of English football as he soon made a move to Anfield.
Unfortunately, when The Lions secured his move, he was already past his peak years. The attacking midfielder who often played as a left winger was already 32 years old when he arrived in Villa Park. Sadly, his spell there was more notorious for his recurring injuries and his odd comment about his teammate, Gareth Barry.
Based on the report from Liverpool Echo, his comment irritated his boss at that time, Martin O’Neill.
“I was really disappointed and surprised that Patrik, with all his experience of dealing with the press, would make such an inappropriate comment.”
The former Liverpool and Dortmund star made an odd comment, which turned out to be ending his spell in England, where he had played for 12 years. It was the comment in public about advising his teammate and captain at that time, Gareth Barry, to join Liverpool when he had a chance. Apparently, Berger made such a comment following the Reds’ interest in the skipper. They even already had an offer on the table in summer 2028.
Such angered Martin O’Neil who saw as Barry was Villa’s greatest asset.
“The sad aspect of it is that we are paying Patrik’s wages for him to recommend one of our players to another football club. It’s ludicrous. I think Pat realises that now and he’s apologised. He said he didn’t mean a great deal of harm but the harm has been done he won’t be playing any from here on in.”
Surprisingly, he admitted that he never felt regretful with such a comment and it was considered a good move for his teammate’s future. The twist was Barry, who was still tied up for two years in his contract with The Lions, stayed and chose to sign for Manchester City instead in 2009. He won a league title and FA Cup there and stayed till 2013 whereas Liverpool entered his banter era and only clinched EFL League Cup during the same period. So, it was the right good that Barry did not listen to his advice.
The former attacking midfielder did not have his best years in Villa Park despite his words of stating how he enjoyed playing for the Lions. His spell there was hampered with the recurring knee injuries.
The midfielder with 42 international caps only managed to play 32 games. He registered two goals and four assists in all competitions. Berger’s finest contribution was in the 2006/07 seasons. He scored one goal and provided one assist as trashed Blackburn Rovers 2-1 on the road in April 2007. The Prague-born man also contributed one assist for Gabriel Agbonlahor in the following game while hosting Wigan Athletic. Both teams shared spoils in a 1-1 draw.
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