Berger calls time on Czech career
The 28-year-old, a pivotal figure in the Czech Republic's surprise surge to the Euro 96 final, in which Berger scored the opening goal, wants to concentrate on his family and club football with Liverpool, insisting the international scene has lost its shine.
"I don't think I will change my decision to quit," explained Berger. "I can only think of reasons not to carry on.
"When the national side went to Cyprus for the tournament in February I took it as a test to see if I felt I was missing something - and I suddenly realised that I didn't mind at all.
"My children are growing up and slipping away from me. I want to spend more time with them and I need to concentrate on Liverpool."
The growing fixture list at club level has prompted the former Borussia Dortmund ace to take stock of his situation and sort out his priorities.
"Every season we play on four fronts - the league, two English cup competitions and the Champions League. I need time to relax and I don't want to travel around as much," explained Berger.
"I understand that people will have their own opinions about me, but this is my life. I am not going to join the national side if I am not looking forward to it and would have to bite my lip and swallow my distaste. Now I have other priorities - Liverpool and my family."
Berger also took a swipe at the Czech FA and their decision to appoint Nedved as captain over Nemec.
"Jiri Nemec was not the biggest star and he didn't talk to the media, but when he said something in the dressing room it made sense. Nobody carried the same weight as him, not even (Pavel) Nedved," claimed the Reds star.
"It was a mistake to make Pavel captain again. Hats off to Pavel as a footballer, he plays for Juventus and he's respected in Italy. But our campaign to qualify for the World Cup failed and he didn't handle the campaign well."
After winning 43 caps for his country Berger has called time on international football and is hoping to win himself a new contract at Anfield with his current deal set to expire in the summer.
"I want to play top-flight football for another four years and I'd like it best if it was at Liverpool. My contract expires in the summer and I would be happy to extend it. There's hardly a bigger club than Liverpool."
