So, what's a-happening with Berbatov? And why does anyone care so much about where a millionaire footballer will be kicking a ball come Monday? Sure, the supporters of the two clubs have a vested interest of sorts in where he's going, the facts and the figures.

Spurs and United might be heading in opposite directions (breaking into the Big Four, you're having a laugh!), but the reality of Berbatov lining up for your team or against it, at some point, is a quite tangible benefit/dreaded prospect to the fans of those clubs. What do Bulgarians care about it, though? It's not like the identity of the club that pays his wages would have a massive impact on the national team - he'll still bang in goals against mediocre sides, certain to become the country's top scorer in history before he turns 30, even if he does go missing when it really matters.

For Bulgarians, his plans and pundits' forecasts fulfill a deeply-seated need for a hero, as well as a success story of the country boy who made it big on his talent and hard work alone. Since Hristo Stoichkov retired, Bulgaria hasn't had such a successful footballer and, unlike Stoichkov, he is a lot more reserved and not as prone to making outrageous remarks, which have been Stoichkov's trademark as of late.

Since 1994 and the undreamt of success of the national team at the World Cup in the US, Bulgaria has not had a hero of that magnitude. The country's athletes have had some success, though increasingly fewer in recent years, culminating in the worst medal haul in more than half a century at the Olympic games in Beijing.

Berbatov, unlike Bulgaria's wrestlers, volleyball team or Yordan Yovchev, is on TV screens a lot more often and, so far, he has not disappointed much. Even when he does, he usually makes up with an enthralling display of footballing ability that makes up for previous bland matches.

In a football-mad country that sorely needs a reason to cheer for something, anything, Berbatov's brilliance is a welcome respite from news of corrupt officials, embezzled funds and empty promises from politicians.

So he's no Usain Bolt, Michael Phelps or Lewis Hamilton. But he's the best Bulgaria has, which is why Bulgarians can be excused for waiting with their breath baited the outcome of one of this summer's most tedious transfer sagas. Unlike Christiano Ronaldo's dallying with Real Madrid, it might even end in an actual transfer.

United have a fairly big following in Bulgaria, but Berbatov is above club loyalties - he's our lad who's made it big. It might seem at times that coverage of his every step and every rumour about whose badge will be on his chest next is excessive, but go easy on us. Too often, he's the only reason to feel good about being a Bulgarian.