MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 19: Dimitar Berbatov of Manchester United celebrates scoring their first goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford on September 19, 2010 in Manchester, England. (Photo by John Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Dimitar Berbatov, a key figure in Manchester United’s success during the late 2000s, disclosed a frightening incident from his youth when he was held hostage prior to a potential transfer. Speaking on the podcast hosted by former teammate Rio Ferdinand, Berbatov recounted the harrowing experience that shaped his early career.
Kidnapping Ordeal Uncovered
At just 18 years old, Berbatov was playing for CSKA Sofia and beginning to attract attention for his talents. Instead of the usual transfer negotiations, he was thrust into a dangerous situation. He described how a teammate drove him to a restaurant under the guise of meeting a friend, only to confront a group of intimidating men. One of them, who referred to himself as ‘The Cook,’ informed Berbatov that a mysterious team was interested in acquiring him.
Feeling trapped and fearing for his safety, Berbatov recalled, “I’m like, ‘what the f**k? They’re going to kidnap me here and I don’t want to go, I want to go home.’” The atmosphere was tense, as he sat surrounded by men reputed to be associated with notorious gangster Georgi Iliev. Faced with the threat of violence, Berbatov made the difficult decision to call his father for help.
A Desperate Plea for Help
During the call, Berbatov expressed his fear, stating, “I was thinking to myself, ‘this is it for me. Maybe they’re going to beat me.’” His father, recognizing the gravity of the situation, quickly intervened. “Let me see what I can do. I’ll call the guy,” he reassured Berbatov. Eventually, a resolution was reached that allowed Berbatov to remain at CSKA Sofia, avoiding a move that could have had dire consequences.
The harrowing experience left a lasting impression on Berbatov. He reflected, “Makes me realise I need to grow up quick and be a man really early in my stage of life.” Following this unsettling chapter, he later moved to Bayer Leverkusen, where he began to build his reputation in European football.
Berbatov’s journey continued as he played in the Premier League with clubs including Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, and Fulham. He enjoyed significant success, winning two league titles with Manchester United during the 2008-09 and 2010-11 seasons under the legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
As Manchester United prepares to face Nottingham Forest this Saturday, Berbatov’s story serves as a reminder of the often perilous world of football transfers, especially in regions where such risks are heightened.
