Dimitar Berbatov picks former Man United team-mate Ryan Giggs for charity match against a Luis Figo XI
Giggs the first name on Berba's team sheet as Bulgarian gives glowing tribute to the Welsh wing wizard on Facebook
DIMITAR BERBATOV has picked former Manchester United team-mate Ryan Giggs in his squad for a charity match against a Luis Figo XI.
Berbatov and former Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter Milan ace Figo go head-to-head at Sofia’s Vasil Levski National Stadium on June 14.
Ex-Tottenham and Fulham star Berbatov is in the process of selecting an all-star cast to join him in his native Bulgaria.
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And his first pick is Welsh wizard Giggs.
Berbatov won two Premier League titles, the League Cup and Club World Cup during his time at Old Trafford while Giggs is the most decorated performer in United’s history.
Said Berbatov in a personal statement on his Facebook page: “He was the man who showed me every day what it means to be a professional.
“He was one of the first who sent a text to say ‘welcome to Manchester United’, and was always there for advice or a kind word. And he showed me the trick for longevity - yoga!
“He's the record holder for the most games played in the history of Manchester United with a massive 963 appearances.
“He is the most decorated player in the history of football! In a remarkable career he won 36 titles.
“With Manchester United he won 13 championships, 4 times he won the FA Cup, 4 times the League Cup, 2 times he triumphed in the most prestigious club tournament, the Champions League, he won the World Club Championship two times, the Intercontinental Cup, the UEFA Super Cup and 9 times he lifted the FA Community Shield!
“He is the only player involved in winning all 13 titles by United. He is the player with the most games in the history of the Premier League – 632 - and holds the record for most assists in Premier League history - 271.
“The Premier League is in my heart because I spent a lot of time here so if there’s an opportunity for me here then great.
“If not, we’ll see where there are opportunities and then I’ll take it.”
Revenue from the game will help fund Berbatov and Figo's charity foundations. Berba's foundation is very popular in the country for helping gifted children in arts and sports.