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Clarets' new number 12 on putting pen to paper

2023-01-26T12:19:28.012Z

FOSTER ON DREAM COME TRUE

Clarets' new number 12 on putting pen to paper

2023-01-26T12:19:28.012Z

Clarets' new number 12 on putting pen to paper

The Clarets confirmed the third signing of the January transfer window this week, with striker Lyle Foster joining the ranks.

Hailing from South Africa, the forward signs from Belgian side K.V.C. Westerlo, where he netted eight goals and three assists so far this season.

Speaking on making the move, Foster said: “I’m very happy to be here, I’m blessed and thankful for the opportunity and I just can’t wait to get started.

“If I’m being very honest, I was a bit surprised. I was on holiday at the time and my agent rang me up and told me that there was interest from Burnley and from that moment, my heart and head were set on the club. I just counted down the days to get here and I’m just so happy to be here now.

“It’s been a bit up and down to be fair, whether it’s happening, when it’s happening, those sorts of things so, yeah a lot going on in my head but I’m just happy that it’s finally done, that I’m here and I spent my first day here.”

Coming through the ranks at Orlando Pirates in South Africa, Foster has also spent time in Monaco, Belgium and Portugal.

“I came through the ranks at Orlando Pirates, I was there for quite some time and I loved my years there. From then I went to Monaco, I had a little stint in Belgium, Portugal and then back to Belgium. I’m here now, I’m just very, very happy to be here.

“Where I’m from, South Africa, the Premier League is the number one league that everyone watches and English football in general is the league that we all follow. So, for me as a kid growing up it was always a dream to come to England, so like I said when I got the call that Burnley wanted me, it felt a bit unreal. It’s a childhood dream for me coming through, and I’m so happy to be here and come and share my talent and enjoy football.”

There will be one familiar face in the squad though, as Foster will be linking up with good friend Vitinho.

“I’ve played with Vitinho at Cercle Brugge, a very very good friend of mine. We’re quite close and I spoke to him a bit before coming here about how things are here and he told me how great it is, the atmosphere and the spirit around the team. That made me want to come even more.

“As far as the rest of the players, I don’t know any of them in that way, but by name I do. Hopefully we can kick on and I can get to know them.”

The prospect of working with Vincent Kompany and the first team coaching staff, had a big impact on the decision to make the move.

“From the moment I got here I felt very welcome. I’ve been following and watching a lot of Burnley’s games recently and I really, really enjoy the style of play. He [Vincent Kompany] is a great coach, for me just to be coached by a legend like him is an honour for me. I grew up watching him play, I’ve played one game against him and now him being my coach and getting to learn and absorb that knowledge every day, for me is a dream come true.”

Upon his move to the northwest, the forward described his excitement at meeting up with his teammates and helping the team in front of goal.

“First and foremost, I’m a striker, I like getting goals of course and getting assists. I want to help the team as much as possible, I want to be a team player and make sure that we can win as many games as possible. In terms of my strengths, I think I’m very strong, I keep the ball well, I’m good at one on ones, I’m fast and I know I can help the team. For me the most important is coming in and making sure I can help the team first and I’m sure everything else will follow.

“It’s a dream for me, I landed, I was in Manchester. I’ve seen these places on TV growing up, and I’ve been to England before, played against the junior national teams early on, but now that it’s real and it’s happening for me it’s just a different feeling. I can’t wait to kick on.”