Former Liverpool midfielder Patrik Berger discussed his retirement, his right knee, a football agency and a padel match with Steven Gerrard on Livesport Daily. His career ended after eight operations on his right knee.
Eight operations and his knee
Berger said he can do absolutely everything and does not feel his knee when playing sport. Speaking to Livesport Daily, Flashscore's Czech podcast, Berger said: “I'm probably one of the few people who is fine after that many operations. I can do absolutely everything. The knee doesn't swell, it doesn't hurt.”
Retirement in January 2010
Berger announced his retirement in January 2010. He said: “I remember it exactly. We were at our cottage in the mountains over Christmas and New Year, and I was planning to go back for pre-season as normal. I'd missed the whole autumn after another knee operation. Over the holidays I talked it through with my wife and kids.”
Agency with his son
Berger said he had set up a football agency with his son and that there had been less time for hobbies for the last year and a half. He said: “When I finished playing, I told myself I'd spend two years travelling and enjoying myself, because during your career there isn't much time for that. The summer holidays weren't long, and you spend them with your family. So I said two years, and it turned into 15, which I never expected.”
Contact with former Liverpool players
Berger said he had a WhatsApp group with former Liverpool players. He also said of playing padel with Steven Gerrard: “That was arranged in advance. Since he retired, Stevie has taken up padel too. We'd agreed that when we came to Liverpool we'd set up a match, and we had the whole of Sunday morning free. So I messaged him to ask if he fancied a game, and it was brilliant.”
