Melbourne Victory star Besart Berisha has revealed that Premier League giants Liverpool and Manchester United were interested in signing him back in 2007.
Their eyes were caught as a result of the little-known Albanian’s performance against an England ‘B’ team which featured the likes of Michael Owen and Phil Neville.
Despite being on the wrong end of a 3-1 scoreline, Berisha stole the show by scoring his side’s goal and threatening on a number of occasions – a match he remembers fondly.
“Really I remember all the Premier League clubs look at me but Burnley signed me quick,” Berisha told the official A-League website.
“I played against England, an unbelievable game. I was in the top [form] and good shape.
“But I heard other clubs were interested too. My manager told me something about Manchester United and Liverpool were also interested.
“I remember, I was on top [at the time]. I was playing for Hamburg at the time and super strong.
“But I signed with Burnley on a three-year deal because the coach [Scottish manager Steven Caldwell] wanted me and I liked the stadium [Turf Moor].
“It was great for me and I liked the special supporters at Burnley. I loved it.”
Berisha’s time at Turf Moor was plagued by an ACL injury, which hampered his hopes of crafting out a major career in England’s top-flight.
“So I had to find my way again. And this is when the move to Australia came closer. I needed a new start and I ended up in Brisbane from Burnley.
“So it was like being on the top, then falling down.”
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