Berger forced to hang up his boots

Former Liverpool midfielder Patrik Berger has retired from football at the age of 36 due to persistent knee problems.

Berger, who spent seven years at Anfield before moving on to Portsmouth and Aston Villa, signed a two-year contract with Sparta Prague in May 2008 but injury has forced him to hang up his boots.

Sparta coach Jozef Chovanec said: 'Patrik told me yesterday, "It's over. My knee doesn't support the burden anymore".

'We have to deal with it. Thank you Patrik for everything you have done for Sparta and the entire Czech football.'

Berger, who also had a loan spell at Stoke during an 11-year spell in England, has not been able to make an appearance for Sparta since August 8.

The Czech international won 44 caps and was a key part of the team which reached the Euro 96 final, where they lost 2-1 to Germany.

Berger scored a penalty to put the Czechs in front in the final, before two Oliver Bierhoff goals won the match for Germany.