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Berger would sign for life

Exclusive by Ric George for "The Liverpool Echo"

PATRIK BERGER revealed today he would pledge his footballing life to Liverpool by signing a TEN YEAR contract - if he could cut through government red tape. 

Being a non-EU player, the Czech Republic international must figure in at least 75 percent of fixtures to be granted a work permit. 

And if he knew he would fulfil that requirement, Berger would like nothing better than to finish his career at the club he loves. 

He told the Echo today: "If I played all the time I could sign for 10 years - no problem. But if I don't play I'm not happy. I need to play because at 23 I'm still young. 

"Being on the bench is not good for me, but I understand the gaffer because he has so many quality players. It's difficult for him - but also for me."
Berger, who is in manager Roy Evans' squad for tonight's Coca Cola Cup third round tie at West Bromwich Albion, enhanced his chances of regular selection with his hat-trick against Chelsea 10 days ago. 

And he believes that his finest form is still ahead of him. "The best is still to come because I'm learning every year and I know I can get better and better," he said. 

"But I need to play. I'm not a goal-machine; Robbie Fowler can score every game, but I can't. It's a difficult situation for me and the club. 

"If I don't play 75 percent of the games this season then it's goodbye England. It's strange because if I play five minutes of every game then I will have a work permit, but that would not be satisfactory for me. 

"I want to stay in England, but it's going to be hard. At Liverpool we have the best fans in the Premiership and we have a beautiful stadium. 

"I love the life in England and I'm happy because my wife and children are happy. For me, the family is the most important thing. If they are happy, I am also happy. I like Liverpool. The people are great." 

Copyright - The Liverpool Echo

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