DELCROIX ON REUNITING WITH KOMPANY

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Hannes Delcroix talks joining the Clarets

2023-08-22T14:00:00.000Z

DELCROIX ON REUNITING WITH KOMPANY

Hannes Delcroix talks joining the Clarets

2023-08-22T14:00:00.000Z

Hannes Delcroix talks joining the Clarets

Burnley have bolstered the backline with defender Hannes Delcroix the latest recruit in the summer transfer window.

The former Anderlecht man reunites with his former manager Vincent Kompany and is excited about his move to the Northwest and living a dream come true playing in the Premier League.

“I have been through almost all the youth [at Anderlecht]. Under 15 I started. It was quite a long time for playing in the first team. Actually, it was a great time being there, a good club. It was a great time.

“Then I was on loan for one year in Holland, RKC Waalwijk. And then I came back, and I started playing under Kompany.”

Delcroix is looking forward to the prospect of reuniting with Kompany, who he knows well from his time in Belgium.

“When I was there it was very nice to have him as a coach because he was also a defender. I learned a lot from him and for me coming here now it is also a big opportunity and I can still progress under him. For me it is also a good choice to come here.”

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In addition to Vincent, Delcroix spent time with the Clarets backroom staff during his time at Anderlecht, including Assistant Manager Craig Bellamy and played alongside midfielder Josh Cullen.

“I think for sure it helps [having familiar faces around]. I knew them very well and have done some very great stuff. When you saw them leave it did something of course because everybody left. But when I arrive, and I see their faces again it was like coming home. I knew them very well, so it is nice to see them back.”

On whether Cullen had any advice for him ahead of the move he added: “No it’s actually the first time I heard him today, but I think we can still catch up about some things.

“He told me that everything is great here and that people will help whenever I need something, and he will help me as well. It’s very good. Yeah of course I know Josh’s qualities. For me as a player of course you want to understand all the players on the pitch. I can already tick one box of a player.”

It’s been a whirlwind few days for the 24-year-old who found out about the Clarets interest in him last week before travelling to the Northwest at the weekend.

“Yeah, I heard I think on Monday or Tuesday that Burnley was interested in me. It went really quick. I had a phone call with Vinny and Saturday I was already on the plane. So, it went very quick.

“I did the medical testing in the morning. Then I stayed at a hotel in Manchester. Sunday was a day off actually. I did a little bit of visiting. And yeah, today now I’m here. I did the physical testing and everything went well. It was very busy days, but I am happy to be here now.”

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The prospect of Premier League football was enticing and played a big role in his decision to make a move to Lancashire.

“Of course, it’s a different competition, the Premier League. Everybody knows it. It’s the best competition in the world at the moment. For me, it’s a big opportunity to come here and especially also the team it’s a great team and it was not difficult to come here when I got this option, of course.”

The defender has some experience of playing top-flight teams, having faced West Ham United in the Europa League last season.

“To be honest, when we were in the Conference League, we knew which teams we were about to play, and I really wanted to play West Ham. Of course, you want to play every game. But this is something I really wanted to do. From there on it’s a different category. You see the stadium. You see the quality of the players. This is also something like if I can ever play in the Premier League, it’s like a dream come true. You see it’s really different than in Belgium.”

Finally, the latest recruit adds he finds it difficult talking about his self, but he does have another talent to playing football…

“Honestly, I don’t like to talk too much about myself. For me I think I am someone who likes learning a lot and I think I am quite calm on the ball. But I think you all will see what my qualities are.

“I am more introverted [as a person]. Of course, it takes time to open up but for me I am always calm, I’m kind. In my free time I like playing the piano!”