Before years of dominating defences in the A-League, Besart Berisha revealed to the A-League website that he was once courted by the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool in 2007.

At the time Berisha was a 21-year-old playing for Hamburg in Germany, but it was a game for Albania against England's B team that caught the eye of Premier League clubs.

Albania's Besart Berisha (L) vies with Malta's Roderick Briffa (R) and Etiene Barbara (C), during a friendly football match, 22 August 2007 in Tirana. GENT SHKULLAKU/AFP/Getty Images
Albania's Besart Berisha (L) vies with Malta's Roderick Briffa (R) and Etiene Barbara (C), during a friendly football match, 22 August 2007 in Tirana. GENT SHKULLAKU/AFP/Getty Images

His side lost 3-1 but Berisha scored and was their best player on the field by a long way, so much so that his phone rang soon after the match.

โ€œI played against England, an unbelievable game. I was in the top [form] and good shape,"ย Berisha toldย www.a-league.com.au.

"Really I remember all the Premier League clubs look at me but Burnley signed me quick.

โ€œBut I heard other clubs were interested too. My manager told me something about Manchester United and Liverpool were also interested.

โ€œI remember, I was on top [at the time]. I was playing for Hamburg at the time and super strong.

โ€œBut I signed with Burnley on a three-year deal because the coach [Steve Cotterill] wanted me and I liked the stadium [Turf Moor].

โ€œIt was great for me and I liked the special supporters at Burnley. I loved it.โ€

Unfortunately for Berisha his career in England never took off, as injuries cruelled his time at Turf Moor, and the now 31-year-old soon made the move to Brisbane Roar in 2011, and has loved his time down under ever since.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 25: Besart Berisha (#8) of Melbourne Victory celebrates his goal during the round three A-League match between the Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City at Etihad Stadium on October 25, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 25: Besart Berisha (#8) of Melbourne Victory celebrates his goal during the round three A-League match between the Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City at Etihad Stadium on October 25, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)

โ€œThis is my sixth year and I love being in Australia. It's been so good to me and I want to give back to the Australian football world," Berisha said.

โ€œI want to help. I want to give back. I'd like to see how this [league] can grow. I'm lucky and grateful. Australia has been so good to me. It brought me back to shine."