Berger: I had to stay and play for O'Neill

Aug 2 2007 By Bill Howell, Birmingham Mail

PATRIK Berger admitted his decision to remain at Villa and snub overtures from the Middle East and the MLS has everything to do with wanting to play for Martin O'Neill and nothing to do with money.

Berger signed a new one-year deal last month and continued his bright form with a fine performance and goal at Stoke City last night.

"It is not about the money, it is about where you play," he said. "I could go somewhere where the football is no good. Over here I can still play in the best league in the world against the best players in the world.

"As soon as I knew that the manager wanted to keep me, there was nothing else in my mind. I just wanted to stay here. We agreed the contract after the last game of the season and to save me having to come back from holiday to sign it, the deal was made ready when I came back for pre-season."

Berger caught the eye towards the end of last season with a sustained level of consistency of performance.

"It is probably why he offered me the one-year deal, which I was absolutely delighted with," he said. "I don't want to look beyond this season because the season is very long.

"I will be 34 in November, and I know I don't have many years left, so I want to stay fit and be able to enjoy it as long as I can."