Bafana Bafana striker Lyle Foster has opened up on sealing a 'dream' move to EFL Championship side Burnley from Belgian Pro League outfit Westerlo.
The 22-year-old striker competed a move to The Clarets for a fee understood to be in the region of €7 million and could up to €10 million in add-ons should his new side gain promotion to the Premier League.
The astronomical fee is the highest amount ever paid for a South African footballer - edging out a previous record of €6 million forked out by Celta Vigo for the signature of Bafana Bafana's all-time leading scorer Benni McCarthy in 1999.
With eight goals and four assists under his name, Foster was one of Westerlo's key players this season but the forward said he was still surprised by interest from the Championship, with Manchester City legend and Burnley head coach Vincent Kompany said to be a keen admirer of the striker.
"If I'm being very honest, I was a bit surprised," Foster told the club's media.
"My agent rang me up and told me that there was interest and from that moment my heart and mind were kind of set on the club. [I was] just counting down the days to get here and I'm just so happy to be here."
READ | Bafana striker set for English football in record-breaking transfer
The record breaking transfer fee was also a second knock on the door from Burnley, who saw an initial fee off €5 million rejected and Foster admitted that there were moments where it looked in doubt.
"It's been a bit up and down to be fair, whether it's happening, when it's happening and those sorts of things - a lot going on in my head. I'm just happy that it's finally done and I'm here. I've spent my first day here and I'm just happy to be here," the striker added.
"It's a childhood dream for me coming true, I'm just so happy to be here and so happy to came and share my talent and enjoy football."
The Clarets are sitting on top of the Championship log table on an eight-match winning streak. The side will take on Ipswish Town in the 4th round of the FA Cup on Saturday before returning to league action with a clash against Norwich City on 4 February.
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