Matthaus fails in bid to bring Berbatov back
New Bulgaria coach Lothar Matthaus has been forced to admit failure in his attempts to bring Dimitar Berbatov out of international retirement.
Berbatov hung up his international boots in May but Matthaus was hoping that he would return to help his country in their bid to qualify for Euro 2012. However, the in-form Manchester United striker could not be persuaded and Matthaus will now focus his attentions elsewhere.
"I have had several conversations with him, but he is not ready to play for Bulgaria again," Matthaus told German magazine kicker. "He gave me no reasons, but for me the issue is settled for Berbatov and other players can now take their chances."
Matthaus added that he hoped the Bulgaria side would take the news as well as Germany managed to cope with the loss of Michael Ballack.
"It's like the Germany team before the 2010 World Cup," he added. "Ballack got injured so Ozil and Khedira took their chances and are now at Real Madrid."
