One former Liverpool star has not played in the Premier League for around two decades and has undergone quite the transformation since retiring from playing football
Once known for his outstanding strikes outside of the box and his flowing locks trailing in the wind, former Liverpool star Patrik Berger now has a very different image. Where the midfielder wore long sleeves during his time at Anfield, his arms now bear sleeves of tattoos.
The once clean-cut Anfield ace now looks more mature and rugged with a face full of facial hair. The 52-year-old has not played for the Reds in more than 22 years and many will definitely have the picture in their mind challenged by his new look.
Berger was a member of Gerard Houllier’s squad that memorably won the treble in 2000/01 and made 198 appearances across a seven-year spell on Merseyside. The Czech international bagged 28 goals for the club, with almost half coming from further than 18 yards.
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The 42-times capped international saw a career that took in Sparta Prague, Borussia Dortmund, Portsmouth, Aston Villa and Stoke City before he retired in 2010. He did spend time with sixth-tier Czech Republic club Dolní Chabry as an amateur after that point.
Berger’s time at Liverpool ended in an unfortunate fashion as knee injuries confined him to just four appearances as he fell down the pecking order. While he enjoyed scoring against the Reds in his first appearance against them, Berger looks back on his time with the club fondly.
“You have to live for the day and I enjoyed my time at Liverpool,” he said when reflecting on such success. “On the pitch 2001 was amazing, we won five trophies, qualified for the Champions League in the final game of the season.
“It was an unbelievable season, great squad, the camaraderie was brilliant, this really helped get over the time. Everything just clicked in those final matches.
“You need luck and we got the luck, but the squad was all connected, all fighting for each other and all had the same belief that we could win.
“Looking at the FA Cup Final, Michael (Owen)’s pace was electric and if any of us could find the pass, he would get onto it. His left foot wasn’t his strongest, but he took the goal so well, beating two Arsenal defenders.
“Arsenal were the better team that day, but as I said, we rode our luck, stayed in the game and managed to win. It was a year I won’t forget with so many great memories and many friends I made for life.
“The highlight of my career was signing for Liverpool, first off. This was a dream that had come true, signing for such a great club. I loved my time at Liverpool and to still be involved with the club is great.”
In his post-playing career, Berger has kept busy. He founded the Patrik Berger football agency, who have worked with the likes of Bayer Leverkusen star Patrik Schick and Ondřej Penxa.
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