O’Neill Has No Beef With Berger

Looks like it is the end of the road for Patrik Berger, at Aston Villa anyway, as Martin O’Neill believes the injury plagued midfielder will return home to the Czech Republic when his current deal expires at the end of the season.

Berger, who lit the pitch up whilst at Liverpool and also enjoyed a spell at Portsmouth, has had a nightmare career with injuries and his spell at Villa has been far from successful as he’s spent more time on the injury table than the pitch.

O’Neill has no beef with Berger (sorry) but told the official site:

‘He’s in the final year of his contract and I think he’ll go back home. But even at this stage of his career he has the determination to want to do well for Villa.’

‘He’s definitely got the talent. Whether he’s got the legs, only time will tell. I’ve got loads of time for Patrik Berger and I don’t care whether they’re no longer able to do it long term or not, I’ve got a lot of time for them.’

Adding: ‘It was great to see Patrik back (as a sub for the Spurs game last Saturday). I’ve got a lot of respect for his ability and always have had. I don’t think you can get away with not having that ability if you play for your country 50 times in a talented side.’

‘He proved that at Liverpool but he’s had umpteen injuries since then. It seemed to me he was injured at Portsmouth a lot and he’s had a frustrating record here too. But he’s got loads of talent and it would be great if he could show that here.’