evilsly
06-06-2003, 18:49
So choosing pompey over Leeds
what does that say
lifted wholesale from the bbc website
Premiership newcomers Portsmouth have signed Liverpool's out-of-contract midfielder Patrik Berger.
Berger was available on a free transfer after rejecting the offer of a new contract at Anfield.
The 29-year-old made just four appearances for Liverpool last season, three as substitute, and has struggled with a knee injury for three seasons.
Leeds and Manchester City had also shown an interest in the former Czech Republic international.
Pompey boss Harry Redknapp was delighted with the capture of Berger.
He said; "Patrik's a quality player, free - and the type of player who'll bring good experience to Portsmouth.
Patrik can play a big part in helping us maintain our Premiership status
Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp
"I had a bit of competition for him but he's looked round the area today and is very happy to join us.
"I think he spoke with Leeds and another couple of clubs were interested - so they tell me."
The Pompey boss revealed that his son Jamie, now at Tottenham but a team-mate of Berger's at Anfield, played a part in the deal.
He continued: "I had a lot of help from Jamie, who's played alongside him, but to be fair Patrik's not been difficult to deal with.
"He got offered another contract at Liverpool and has taken a massive cut in wages to come here - but he wants to come here and play.
"I've convinced him he can play a big part in helping us maintain our Premiership status next year and he'll be delighted if he can do that."
what does that say
lifted wholesale from the bbc website
Premiership newcomers Portsmouth have signed Liverpool's out-of-contract midfielder Patrik Berger.
Berger was available on a free transfer after rejecting the offer of a new contract at Anfield.
The 29-year-old made just four appearances for Liverpool last season, three as substitute, and has struggled with a knee injury for three seasons.
Leeds and Manchester City had also shown an interest in the former Czech Republic international.
Pompey boss Harry Redknapp was delighted with the capture of Berger.
He said; "Patrik's a quality player, free - and the type of player who'll bring good experience to Portsmouth.
Patrik can play a big part in helping us maintain our Premiership status
Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp
"I had a bit of competition for him but he's looked round the area today and is very happy to join us.
"I think he spoke with Leeds and another couple of clubs were interested - so they tell me."
The Pompey boss revealed that his son Jamie, now at Tottenham but a team-mate of Berger's at Anfield, played a part in the deal.
He continued: "I had a lot of help from Jamie, who's played alongside him, but to be fair Patrik's not been difficult to deal with.
"He got offered another contract at Liverpool and has taken a massive cut in wages to come here - but he wants to come here and play.
"I've convinced him he can play a big part in helping us maintain our Premiership status next year and he'll be delighted if he can do that."