'Humiliated' Eyal stands firm

The Israeli finally quit the City of Manchester Stadium last week, but was quick to meet Keegan again as his debut for Portsmouth was against The Citizens.

Berkovic used his post-match interview as a forum for launching an attack on Keegan, and in the cold light of day he does not regret what he said.

"I do not regret anything I said," Berkovic told Israel's Channel 5 Sports News. "I have never regretted any comments I have made. I was very hurt these last six months.

"After the game it all came out. I had been keeping it in my stomach, and if I hadn't said it, I would have done so in a month's time. When you are hurt, it is hard to keep things bottled up."

Berkovic claims he was running on fumes in the second half against City but admits the presence of Keegan on the touchline drove him on.

"I looked at him a lot and it gave me strength to continue," added Berkovic. "Don't forget I have not played for six months and in normal circumstances I would probably not have been able to go on beyond half time."

Berkovic claims Keegan's failure to be open with him about his move for Antoine Sibierski left him feeling disillusioned and humiliated.

Keegan brought in Sibierski from Lens following a protracted saga and Berkovic claims he was left in limbo by the developments.

"After two good practice games (at the start of the season) team physio Rob Harris came to me and said that Keegan wants me to stop training because of my injury," Berkovic told Yedioth Aharonoth. "I was very angry and confused, and when I arrived home, I heard on TV that Keegan was aiming to buy Sibierski.

"At that moment I went back to see Keegan at the ground and I told him: `I'll make it easy for you. I can see that you want to make my life a misery for the remainder of my two-year contract. I don't want to play for you and am requesting a transfer.'

"I felt humiliated but he asked me to put my request in writing.

"I then trained on my own for two days when Keegan again called for me and said he did not understand why I thought he did not want me.

"We talked for 15 minutes and then we agreed that I would return to the first team. When I arrived home I realised what had happened when Sky News said that the deal to sign Sibierski had fallen through.

"However, three days later Sibierski was signed, and then I knew it was the end."