BERLIN (AFP) - New Bulgaria coach Lothar Matthaeus admitted on Thursday he has failed in his bid to persuade Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov to come out of retirement to help his country qualify for Euro 2012.
"I have had several conversations with him, but he is not ready to play for Bulgaria again," Matthaeus told German magazine Kicker.
"He gave me no reasons, but for me the issue is settled for Berbatov and other players can now take their chances.
"It's like the Germany team before the 2010 World Cup: Ballack got injured so Ozil and Khedira took their chances and are now at Real Madrid."
