Former Monaco striker Dimitar Berbatov tells his life on stage: “For me, football is an art”

Dimitar Berbatov knows both houses in Thursday night’s fixture. Brought through at CSKA Sofia, he wore the colours of AS Monaco from January 2014 to June 2015. In the Conference League, Monaco won 2-1 in the Bulgarian capital. The former striker opened up to L’Équipe as his old club travelled to Sofia, and he now tells his footballing life on stage. “For me, football is an art,” says the 45-year-old Bulgarian.

Eighteen months on the Rock, a generation around him

On the Rock, the memory stays sharp. “Honestly, from the first day to the last, I had a wonderful time,” he says. “We played in the Champions League, we beat Arsenal at the Emirates, it was a memorable night. I played with young players who were really excellent, and I kept telling myself I was getting old.” Around him in the dressing room: Anthony Martial, Yannick Carrasco, Bernardo Silva, Geoffrey Kondogbia.

Two moments stand out from his spell. The 3-1 win on Arsenal’s pitch on 25 February 2015, in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16. And a lob against Nice in April 2014, one that beat David Ospina and settled the Côte d’Azur derby. “It would be the one against Nice, where I chipped the keeper. One of the best goals of my career,” he says of his finest goal in the Principality.

From the stage to Le Moustoir

Life after playing has given Berbatov several jobs: entrepreneurship, his foundation, an ambassador’s role at Manchester United, television work. He keeps a link with the Principality through Bernard Veronico, who runs player care at the club. He also praises Harry Kane, “the best in the world in that position”, as L’Équipe headlines it.

His old club head to Le Moustoir on Sunday. Top of Ligue 1 with 14 points from six games, Monaco remain unbeaten; Lorient sit eighth on 8 points, and the Breton club have won the last two meetings between the sides, 3-1 at home then 1-3 in the Principality. Our preview of Lorient vs Monaco takes Lorient or the draw at 1.82 with 1xbet. 18+. Only bet what you can afford to lose.