Liverpool legend Patrik Berger once left Martin O’Neill furious after he told Gareth Barry he should sign for the Reds – while on the books with him at Aston Villa.
The Czech international, who turned 50 last week, made just shy of 200 appearances in all competitions for the Reds, arriving in 1996 before departing to join Portsmouth in 2003. The goal-grabbing midfielder went on to sign for Aston Villa in 2005, who were then managed by David O’Leary.
Then, a season later, Berger linked up with O’Neill, who had been appointed Villa boss. But during 2008 the left-footed maestro incurred the wrath of the Northern Irish boss with his advice for Barry – who was Villa skipper at the time – telling him that a transfer to Anfield would be “the opportunity of a lifetime”.
Liverpool, who were interested in signing Barry, tried on multiple occasions to lure the England international, leading Berger to describe it as “the opportunity of a lifetime”, adding that: “If I was in Gareth’s position, I would go there tomorrow.”
Of course, the comments were bound to go down badly with O’Neill, especially with Berger playing for Villa at the time. And it prompted him to end Berger’s Villa career, with the Alice band wearing star being released at the end of his contract.
Speaking in May 2008, O’Neill said: I was really disappointed and surprised that Patrik, with all his experience of dealing with the press, would make such an inappropriate comment.
“The sad aspect of it is that we are paying Patrik’s wages for him to recommend one of our players to another football club. It’s ludicrous. I think Pat realises that now and he’s apologised. He said he didn’t mean a great deal of harm but the harm has been done he won’t be playing any from here on in.”
In the end, Barry ended up staying with Villa through till the end of the 2008/09 season before leaving Villa Park to join Manchester City, who he helped win the Premier League in 2012.