ISL 2017: Dimitar Berbatov set to make a comeback from injury against Bengaluru FC
Berbatov (R) vies for the ball against Mumbai City FC
What's the story?
Ex-Manchester United forward Dimitar Berbatov, who is currently nursing an injury is optimistic about his quick return for the Kerala Blasters in ISL 2017 and also spoke about how his experience has given him a 'new approach to football'.
Speaking about his return to action, the centre-forward said, "You should probably ask the doctor [the date of return] because he doesn't want to give information away. The sooner, the better but we don't want to risk anything."
In case you didn't know
The 36-year old, who plied his trade for Premier League bigwigs Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United was signed by the Kerala Blasters ahead of the 2017 season of the Indian Super League.
Partnering Wes Brown at the Blasters, Berbatov did not have the greatest of starts, failing to score in the first three games before he was taken off the field as early as in the fourth minute during his side's clash against FC Goa.
Heart of the Matter
Berbatov, who also represented Monaco and Fulham and was signed up by the Blasters as a marquee player, was blithe at the way he was recovering and gave Kerala fans a lot to cheer about as he hoped for a quick return to action.
"We put the deadline on [December] 31st but it's not worth risking if I don't feel well," said Berbatov, who played 78 matches for Bulgaria from which he scored 48 goals.
The ex-United centre-forward said, "I feel great at the moment. Everybody is very polite. People around the club, the players obviously. I have no problems adapting. The only problem is that I am injured. That is going to be okay as well," he added.
Playing in the midfield for the Blasters, the Bulgarian said he was enjoying his role and did not leave a stone unturned to take an opportunity to score. He laid more emphasis on his path to recovery and said, "As the season progresses, the only thing I want is to recover and stay healthy. As long as you are healthy, everything will be fine."
What's next?
With the tentative return date set on New Year's Eve, the Blasters will hope their marquee player does recover in time for the all-important clash against Bengaluru FC at home.
Author's take
With acres of experience under his belt, Berbatov's return to the midfield will be a major boost to the squad that will also be a major sigh of relief for head coach Rene Meulesteen, who has managed to conjure up only one win from their five games this season.