Bergy baffled by the boozers.
Dennis Bergkamp believes England's soccer stars will never win the Battle of the Bottle.The Dutch striker, aiming to topple England into the drink in Euro 96, was astonished when he heard about the Hong Kong trip and flight of shame.
But the Arsenal ace really had his eyes opened to some English pros' "lager than life" attitude when he arrived from AC Milan last summer in a record pounds 7.5million deal.
Bergkamp revealed: "Drinking is in the English culture and is very hard for anyone to alter.
"I have played in Holland and in Italy, and I know this would not happen with players there.
"In England it is usual for them to go to the players' bar and drink pints of lager after a match."
Bergkamp added: "Nothing like what happened with the English players could happen in Holland. If the English public feel ashamed, then I can understand it.
"I know these players now, having played in England for a year, and I respect them as good professionals. But this behaviour is very hard for us to understand."
And Bergy, a major thorn in England and British club sides over the past few years, believes its essential our players now toe the line.
He said: "Players cannot afford to let themselves down any more. It will be reported.
"The England players will know now that they have to be on their best behaviour all the time."
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| Title Annotation: | Sport |
|---|---|
| Author: | Wiechula, Frank |
| Publication: | The Mirror (London, England) |
| Date: | Jun 5, 1996 |
| Words: | 240 |
| Previous Article: | Platt's all for one and one for all. |
| Next Article: | They think i t's all lager . . IT IS NOW!; 86% PROOF; YOU SAY FA BOTTLED IT. |
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