A former Liverpool favourite has been transformed compared to his days playing at Anfield with the midfielder taking on a different look in retirement
Patrick Berger and former teammate Gary McAllister
Patrik Berger and former team-mate Gary McAllister(Image: Instagram/patrikbergerofficial)
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Once famed for his long-range goals and flowing hair, former Liverpool midfielder Patrik Berger now sports a strikingly different look. The Czech footballer, who was known for his long-sleeved jerseys during his Anfield days, now flaunts tattooed arms.
The 52-year-old, who hasn't donned the Reds' jersey in more than two decades, has swapped his clean-cut image for a rugged appearance complete with a full beard. This transformation is sure to challenge the mental image fans have held of him.
Berger was a key player in Gerard Houllier's squad that clinched the treble in the 2000/01 season. During his seven-year stint at Merseyside, he made 198 appearances and netted 28 goals, nearly half of which were from beyond 18 yards.
The international star, capped 42 times, had an illustrious career spanning Sparta Prague, Borussia Dortmund, Portsmouth, Aston Villa and Stoke City before hanging up his boots in 2010. After retiring, he played as an amateur for the sixth-tier Czech Republic club Dolní Chabry.
Berger's Liverpool journey ended on a sour note due to knee injuries that limited him to just four appearances, pushing him down the pecking order in his final campaign. Despite scoring against Liverpool in his first match against them, Berger looks back at his time with the club with affection.
"You have to live for the day and I enjoyed my time at Liverpool," he reminisced about his successful stint. "On the pitch 2001 was amazing, we won five trophies, qualified for the Champions League in the final game of the season.
"It was an unbelievable season, great squad, the camaraderie was brilliant, this really helped get over the time. Everything just clicked in those final matches.
Patrick Berger looks very different compared to his playing days
Patrick Berger looks very different compared to his playing days
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"You need luck and we got the luck, but the squad was all connected, all fighting for each other and all had the same belief that we could win.
"Looking at the FA Cup Final, Michael [Owen]'s pace was electric, and if any of us could find the pass, he would get onto it. His left foot wasn't his strongest, but he took the goal so well, beating two Arsenal defenders.
"Arsenal were the better team that day, but as I said, we rode our luck, stayed in the game and managed to win. It was a year I won't forget with so many great memories and many friends I made for life.
Patrick Berger after catching a fish
Berger is a fan of fishing(Image: Instagram/patrikbergerofficial)
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"The highlight of my career was signing for Liverpool, first off. This was a dream that had come true, signing for such a great club. I loved my time at Liverpool and to still be involved with the club is great."
Since retiring from the game, Berger has remained active in the football world. He established the Patrik Berger football agency, which has represented stars like Bayer Leverkusen's Patrik Schick and Ondřej Penxa.
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