Lyle Foster has opened up on his mental health journey for the first time since taking a break from action for Burnley two years ago.

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During the Clarets’ Premier League outing during the 2023/24 campaign, Foster took an indefinite break in order to receive specialist mental health support.

Foster would end up missing seven weeks of action, returning just before Christmas.

Addressing that period of his life, the 25-year-old says he has no “regrets” and was hugely thankful of the support and love he received.

“First and foremost, Burnley supported me massively,” he told South African outlet SuperSport. “All the staff that were there at the time and the people in and around the club, my family, the supporters, they really made me feel loved.

“I guess it was just a personal moment. I wouldn’t say it was getting too much, but I just needed to re-evaluate and understand what was good for me.

“At that time, I’m grateful that the club stood behind me and that I was able to have that little break and come back to football.

Burnley striker Lyle Foster (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)

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“Looking back, I don’t think I was brave or I wasn’t brave, I think I was just honest. I spoke to Vincent [Kompany] at the time and I told him this is what happened and then Vincent recommended that I take some time off and that’s what happened.

“It wasn’t like a huge crisis, it was more of a: ‘right guys, this is where I’m at right now’. I was just honest.

“The next steps were directed by the club and I was just there. I don’t necessarily feel as though it was this brave or valiant thing, more than anything I think I was just honest.

“It’s very important to have people around you who you can be honest with and I was grateful I could be honest with them and obviously that was the decision that was taken.

“It obviously sucked to miss a few weeks of the season, but at the same time I guess it’s part of life. Looking back now, there’s no regrets. Everything happened the way it happened.

“I’m still here and I’m still enjoying, so I’m grateful and I think that’s what matters.”

When asked how his mental health is now and whether he’s feeling strong, Foster replied: “Yeah, 100 per cent.”

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