International retirement right decision says Berbatov

Dimitar Berbatov is confident Manchester United will feel the benefit of his decision to retire from international duty.

It is the route taken by a number of senior United men over the past few years.

Paul Scholes is the obvious example but Ryan Giggs and Edwin van der Sar also believe they have extended their careers by concentrating solely on club matters, and Wes Brown opted to announce his retirement from the England scene immediately before last week's friendly with Hungary.

For Berbatov, the decision must have been made more difficult by the knowledge Bulgaria open their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign against England at Wembley next month, while, with Wales in the same group, the 30-year-old knew he would not have to get involved in extensive travelling.

However, his mind was made up long before the draw. And, after registering two goals in United's opening couple of fixtures this season, including the opener in last night's 3-0 win over Newcastle at Old Trafford, Berbatov is confident he has made the correct decision.

"Everything comes to an end at some point," Berbatov told United Review.

"I said to myself a long time ago that when I got nearer to 30 I would step down and let the younger guys take over.

"You need to know when to stop and that was the right moment for me.

"Now I can concentrate fully on my football with United, have a bit more rest during the season and enjoy watching my country."

Berbatov has tended to be regarded as an unnecessary component within the Red Devils' set-up.

Even though Sir Alex Ferguson spent a club record £30.75million on the striker to lure him north from Tottenham, he has never quite delivered what United hoped.

He remains an enigmatic character, although, for a short time at least, he is managing to keep Wayne Rooney in the shade.

"Football is like art," he added.

"My aim is to create beautiful things on the pitch and to help the team be successful.

"I want this to be our season. Our aim is to win the title back and I know we have the players to do it."