Dimitar Berbatov has opened the door to an international return with Bulgaria, ending his self-imposed exile.

The Manchester United striker, who has hit a record 48 goals for his country, decided to call it a day in 2010 and has repeatedly said he would never go back.

But his stance softened on Tuesday when he told a Bulgarian sports website: "You should receive an invitation to return somewhere.

"My phone is switched on and I can be more concrete if I receive an invitation.

"No one has tried to contact me. I haven't met (Bulgaria's new coach) Lubo Penev and I haven't talked to him. I couldn't even congratulate him on his appointment."

Penev, who replaced German Lothar Matthaeus in November, is hoping to meet Berbatov later this week, saying: "I'm optimistic. I think this is the right time for such a meeting."

In October, Bulgaria captain Stilyan Petrov pleaded with Berbatov to come back, describing him as their "most talented player".