HENNING Berg has described his career with Blackburn Rovers as 'a fantastic journey' as he prepares to say goodbye to English football.

The defender is set to retire from the Premiership, and possibly football altogether if Norway don't qualify for the European championships, in the summer.

But he says he can reflect on some happy times during his career in England, particularly at Blackburn.

"When I first came, the ground was like something out of the 50s apart from the Walkersteel Stand, which is now the oldest stand," said Berg, who is returning to his native Norway to spend more time with his children.

"There's been a massive difference in the stadium and the club's outlook has changed, but the people have stayed the same.

"It's a very friendly club. I felt that from the first day I came here and I couldn't have been better taken care of.

"I've got a lot of friends here who I'll miss, but hopefully I will come back a few times to see them and see how Blackburn are doing."

He added: "When I first came over here it was a fantastic journey. We bought a few players and everyone gelled together. Then we won the championship and it was a fantastic time.

"Things have changed since then but the future looks very bright with the young players that are coming through."

Berg first arrived at Ewood Park in January 1993 when the stadium that Jack Walker built was in its infancy.

He left almost six years later to join Manchester United in a £5 million deal before returning to Rovers in September 2000 to help lead the club back to the Premiership.