Summer of hard work finally pays off for Berbatov

LONDON - Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov believes that a summer of hard work has been a key factor in his explosive start to the Premier League season.

Berbatov has struggled to make a sustained impact at Old Trafford since his 2008 arrival from Tottenham Hotspur.

However, the 29-year-old is getting his rewards in a spectacular way - most notably his incredible hat-trick in Sunday’s 3-2 Premier League victory over Liverpool.

“I was disappointed with myself that I could not please all the supporters. I’ve said before, the people of Manchester United are the judges and that is the way it should be. It’s their team. I am a guest - a privileged guest,” The Sun quoted Berbatov, as saying.

“Now I feel like everything I imagine on the pitch will come true and that feels awesome. I have worked hard on my fitness. So hard. I’m not a weights guy, I’m sure you can see by my body. But I have been trying to even work on that.”

“I ran six miles every day during the off season. I watched one World Cup match, went for a run, then watched another and went for another run. This was my routine,” he added.

The Bulgarian striker further said that he feels privileged to be a United player.

“This crowd at Old Trafford. The way I feel right now. I’m not tired, I feel alive,” Berbatov said.

“I have always said I am so lucky to play here. For these people. For this manager. For this club. With these players,” he added.

Berbatov has scored six goals in five Premier League appearances this season. (ANI)