Berger returns home to Sparta

Former Czech Republic international Patrik Berger has joined AC Sparta Praha from English side Aston Villa FC, 17 years after first leaving the club.

Two-year deal
The 34-year-old midfielder has signed a two-year deal with the 1. Liga runners-up, having begun his career with Sparta as a trainee before leaving for city rivals SK Slavia Praha in 1991. He becomes Sparta's first acquisition of the summer, despite the club lacking a coach since the sacking of Michal Bílek. Current Czech Under-21 trainer Vítězslav Lavička is favourite to take over and is understood to have had a role in bringing Berger back to the capital.

UEFA Cup winner
Noted for his powerful shots from distance, Berger joined BV Borussia Dortmund in 1995, but left for Liverpool FC after shining at EURO '96™, where he scored against Germany in the final. He struck 18 goals in total for his country in 44 appearances and enjoyed a seven-year stay on Merseyside that yielded UEFA Cup, UEFA Super Cup, FA Cup and English League Cup honours. From Liverpool, he joined Portsmouth FC in 2003 and two years later opted for Aston Villa, where he was restricted to just eight Premier League outings last term due to injury.