MANCHESTER // Dimitar Berbatov is ready to pledge his future to Manchester United for the rest of his career. The Bulgarian, signed for £30.75million (Dh201m) from Tottenham on Monday, said: "I know I can develop here in the way I always wanted. That is the most important thing for me. I am at the biggest club in the world and maybe this could be the last step in my career." United's now cash-rich neighbours Manchester City looked as though they were about to step in and hijack the deal but, Berbatov (right) confirmed he had never wavered in his desire to join the Red Devils.
"I don't play for the money," he said. "Those who know me, my really close friends, know that I play for enjoyment and to entertain the fans. "If I want to play for the money, I will accept the Manchester City offer or Chelsea. But the red shirt is a really big thing for me. I want to play for the biggest club in the world. That is why I am here." Meanwhile, the club have appointed Mike Phelan as assistant manager, replacing Carlos Queiroz who left Old Trafford to become Portugal coach in July.The club have also been granted a work permit for Angolan striker Manucho, 25, signed in January.
Fulham's Finnish goalkeeper Antti Niemi, 36, has retired from football due to injury. * PA Sport
