Liverpool cult hero looks unrecognizable with tattoos and bushy beard
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Patrik Berger was a key player in Liverpool's treble-winning squad during the 2000-01 season, but he now sports a new look, having retired from soccer 15 years agoPatrik Berger looks very different compared to his playing days(Image: Getty Images)Once renowned for his long-range strikes and flowing locks, former Liverpool midfielder Patrik Berger now sports a markedly different appearance.The Czech soccer player, who was recognized for his preference for long-sleeved shirts during his time at Anfield, now proudly displays tattooed arms. Berger was an integral part of Gerard Houllier's squad that secured the treble during the 2000-01 season.
During his seven-year tenure on Merseyside, he made 198 appearances and scored 28 goals, nearly half of which were from beyond 18 yards.READ MORE: Every word of Arne Slot's Christmas message including Diogo Jota family tributeREAD MORE: Mohamed Salah turns heads as traditional Christmas post is very different this yearThe international star, who earned 42 caps, enjoyed a distinguished career that included stints at Sparta Prague, Borussia Dortmund, Portsmouth, Aston Villa, and Stoke City before retiring in 2010.Post-retirement, he played as an amateur for sixth-tier Czech Republic club Dolni Chabry.Berger's Liverpool journey concluded on a bitter note due to knee injuries that restricted him to just four appearances, pushing him down the pecking order in his final season.Patrick Berger and former teammate Gary McAllister(Image: Instagram/patrikbergerofficial)Despite scoring against Liverpool in his first match facing them, Berger looks back at his time with the club fondly."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.
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. I loved my time at Liverpool, and to still be involved with the club is great."Following his retirement from professional football, Berger has continued to play an active role in the sport.He founded the Patrik Berger football agency, which has gone on to represent high-profile players including Bayer Leverkusen's Patrik Schick and Ondrej Penxa.