Berbatov Evacuates Family from Bulgaria after Mafia Threats - Report

Bulgaria and Manchester United star striker Dimitar Berbatov has evacuated his wife and new born baby daughter from Bulgaria after receiving threats from the mafia.

According to UK and Bulgarian tabloid reports local Bulgarian Mafia bosses in Sofia contacted Berbatov's mother, Margarita, 10 days ago to tell her that the family was in danger if the Manchester United star did not pay a GBP 500 000 protection fee.

Unconfirmed UK reports on Monday night also claimed that security had been increased around Berbatov's Manchester house.

Berbatov allegedly refused to go to Bulgarian police over the threat to his wife Elena and daughter Dea after 'underworld sources' told him that officials from Bulgaria's Interior Ministry were also involved in the plot.

'Dimi is still very worried for his family and has promised his neighbours money if they notice any suspicious people around his house,' said one alleged family friend.

Berbatov was kidnapped by a mafia boss as a rising star in Bulgaria. He was only saved when his father managed to negotiate a settlement with the local mafia.

Berbatov signed for Manchester United from Tottenham for GBP 30.75 M in 2008.