Aston Villa Football Club News

• Nickname:The Villains
• Founded:1874
• Manager:Alex McLeish

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Berger agrees Sparta return

29 May 2008 - 16:53:53

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Veteran midfielder Patrik Berger has agreed a return to first club Sparta Prague following his release by Aston Villa.

The 34-year-old former Czech Republic international was released before the end of the recently completed season by Martin O'Neill after he upset the Villa boss by claiming team-mate Gareth Barry should seek a summer transfer to Liverpool.

Berger, who has spent the past 12 years in England with Liverpool, Portsmouth and Villa, began his career with Sparta before signing his first professional contract with rivals Slavia Prague in 1991.

"I wanted to come back at some point anyway and so I decided the time was right now," he said

"I did not receive an offer from Slavia and we came to terms with Sparta very quickly.

"I think I have made the right decision."

Sparta president Jozef Chovanec added: "He grew up at Sparta and he still has considerable talent.

"He is a player of European quality who can be an inspiration to other players."