Berbatov pledges allegiance to Manchester United

Sep 3, 2008 - 4:11 AM MANCHESTER, England (Ticker) -- Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov on Tuesday declared his future to Manchester United for the rest of his career.

Berbatov is not due to make his debut for the Old Trafford outfit until it visits Liverpool on September 13, yet his desire is so strong - and his belief in the club so great - he cannot see himself playing anywhere else.

"I know I can develop here in the way I always wanted. That is the most important thing for me," he told MUTV in an exclusive interview.

"I am 27 now. I am at the biggest club in the world and maybe this could be the last step in my career."

A deal with Tottenham was finally confirmed, concluding a long-running saga and ending a dramatic day, during which cash-rich Manchester City looked as though it was about to step in and hijack the deal.

Yet, while the waiting world may have wondered whether the 27-year-old was ready to abandon United in favor of Manchester City, and their new-found wealth, Berbatov confirmed he had never wavered in his desire to join the Red Devils.

"I don't play for the money," he said. "Those who know me, my really close friends, know that I play for enjoyment and to entertain the fans.

"If I want to play for the money, I will accept the Manchester City offer or Chelsea. But the red shirt is a really big thing for me. I want to play for the biggest club in the world. That is why I am here."

In joining a club that has won the Premier League title for the last two seasons and added the Champions League trophy to their haul in May, Berbatov has a lot to live up to.

Not that the challenge bothers him. Indeed, it is one he is relishing as he bids to add more meaningful medals to the Carling Cup gong he won with Spurs last term.

"Trophies are an important thing in football and I want to help this team win more," he said. "I have handled pressure and expectation all through my life. I am not scared of it. That is why I am here.

"The most important thing is to enjoy myself, help the team win more trophies and entertain the fans. If I do that and play as I have done in my last two years at Tottenham, I don't think there will be any problem."