Berbatov, now retired, was Cristiano Ronaldo’s teammate at Manchester United 12 years ago. One season was enough to create an impact on the Bulgarian striker, who praised the Portuguese’s routine on and off the pitch.
The pair helped the Red Devils secure their third consecutive Premier League title with 27 goals and nine assists between the two. One of the duo’s most memorable moments featured a jaw-dropping assist from Berbatov.
The Bulgarian is now an ambassador for an international betting company. Berbatov spoke exclusively with Betfair about what it was like to work alongside Manchester United’s star player.
“I was lucky to play alongside Ronaldo for a season. He was a 100% professional, on the training pitch and off it,” he said. “You could see how competitive he was by just looking at his training schedule.”
“He was determined to be better than everyone else. Training sessions were like a war sometimes, people in that squad hated to lose. It was a great environment to feed determination and hunger to win.”
However, Berbatov said Ronaldo’s behaviour was completely different off the pitch, although the player kept being true to his goals.
“Away from the pitch, Ronaldo would make jokes, he’d laugh at himself and he was friendly to everyone. I remember at the players’ Christmas party he was fun, one of the boys, but he didn’t drink and that was him all over – totally focussed and professional.”
Instead of weighing in on the Ronaldo/Messi debate, the Bulgarian expressed his admiration for both Ballon D’Or winners. Additionally, as the players approach the final stages of their careers, the former striker admits other players will fill in the gap.
“However, until he and Messi hang up their boots, we will not realize the size of these two athletes that we’ve gotten used to watching every day.”
