The former striker of Manchester United, Bulgarian Dimitar Berbatov, has defended his decision to transfer to Fulham, after he snubbed other offers, disappointing Italian clubs Fiorentina and Juventus.

"For some people Fulham might be a small team. But maybe I am not the same person I was two years ago. I need to get used to their game rhythm now," Berbatov told reporters at a news conference in Sofia Monday, commenting on his decision to go to Fulham.

"Some clubs wanted me, other clubs wanted me but I never made pledges to anybody that I want to play for them. I said "yes" to Fulham but I never told the other two clubs that cried foul that I will play for them," Berbatov declared regarding the indignation expressed by Fiorentina and Juventus that claimed Berba promised to join them.

The entire scandal led the Italian press to style Berbatov "the most hated man in Italy".

"I choose where to play. It is normal for Fiorentina and Latchezar Tanev to be disappointed. When it doesn't work out, one may feel betrayed but I care for my interest, the opinion of my closest people, and that's it," stated the star striker, apparently alluding a role that his wife my have had in his decision to remain in England, according to speculations of the Bulgarian press.

During the same press conference on Monday, Berbatov also said he was disappointed with Manchester United Manager Sir Alex Ferguson, and snubbed the call to come back to the Bulgarian national football team.