End of the road for Berger
Patrik Berger has played his last game for Villa following his comments that captain Gareth Barry should join Liverpool.
Patrik Berger has played his last game for Villa following his comments that captain Gareth Barry should join Liverpool.
Boss Martin O'Neill was angry after the former Liverpool midfielder was widely quoted yesterday telling Barry to make the "chance of a lifetime" and go to Anfield.
Barry is widely expected to join Liverpool in the summer, although O'Neill is determined to keep him.
The Villa boss spoke to Berger earlier today and has now ruled him out of Sunday's finale at West Ham.
"I was really disappointed and surprised Patrik, with all his experience of dealing with the press, would make such an inappropriate comment," said O'Neill.
"The sad aspect of it is we're 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's been done and he won't be playing any part in proceedings from here on in."
Berger is out of contract at the end of the season anyway, but his surprising outburst has hastened his departure.
The 34-year-old has spent three years at Villa after his free transfer move from Portsmouth.
Berger said: "Gareth knows my opinion – I've told him. It's Liverpool and if I was in his position I'd go there tomorrow.
"It's the opportunity of a lifetime. I'd go and experience it.
"It would be Champions League every year and he'd be challenging to win trophies every year.
"Liverpool doesn't come after you every year. But I'm not surprised they want to sign him.
"They want him because he's had a fantastic season for us and was our main player and he played very well for the national team as well."
Berger added: "The gap not just between Villa and the top four but between the rest of the league and the top four the gap is big.
"It's going to be tough for Villa to do that. It will take time and to reach the Champions League you'd to keep players like Gareth Barry.
"Liverpool play for trophies every year on every stage – look at the history of the club."
Berger says he's joining either another, as yet un-named current Premier League club – possibly Portsmouth – or returning to the Czech Republic.
