Former Liverpool midfielder Patrik Berger has surprised fans by unveiling a drastically different appearance as he celebrated his 51st birthday. The Czech legend, who spent seven years at Anfield, posted a picture on social media showing himself with a much shorter hairstyle, a departure from his iconic long locks during his playing days.
In the photo, Berger posed in front of a birthday cake, displaying his sleeve tattoos. The former Reds favourite enjoyed a trophy-laden spell at Liverpool, winning the cup treble in 2001 – the UEFA Cup, FA Cup and League Cup – after joining from Borussia Dortmund in 1996.
Berger went on to play for Portsmouth and Aston Villa before retiring in 2010. He also represented Slavia Prague, Sparta Prague and the Czech Republic, scoring 18 goals in 42 caps and featuring at Euro 1996 and Euro 2000, helping his nation reach the final in 1996.
One of his standout moments in a Liverpool shirt was a hat-trick in a 4-2 win over Chelsea – he remains the last Reds player to score a Premier League treble against the Blues. Berger has previously described signing for Liverpool as the greatest day of his football career, saying: 'When I was young in Czechoslovakia, we didn't see much European football, but my father's friend went to England and he watched Liverpool. When he came back, he gave me the programme, the ticket and a scarf. I still have them all.'
Berger has maintained ties with the club, once working as a cashier for a day when Liverpool opened their first store in Malaysia. He also recalled living near Liverpool legends Kenny Dalglish and Alan Hansen in Southport, calling them 'normal guys' but his 'heroes'.
