Burnley's Zeki Amdouni comments on summer transfer interest and failed Benfica move
Prior to suffering his ACL injury, Zeki Amdouni had been regularly linked with a move away from Burnley.
The Swiss international returned to Turf Moor after completing a season-long loan with Benfica, where he scored eight times in 35 appearances.
The Portuguese giants had the option to turn the loan move permanent, but opted against doing so.
Upon returning to Burnley, the 24-year-old was linked with a number of other European sides – with Turkish outfit Besiktas said to be among those showing an interest.
But a serious injury in pre-season put to an end to those rumours, with Amdouni still facing an extended period of time on the sidelines.
Addressing the summer speculation, Amdouni told SFM Football: “Honestly, the rumours about interested clubs weren't my focus.
“I just wanted to play again after the holidays, go back to Burnley, especially since I felt the coach had confidence in me. My mind wasn't anywhere else.”
Amdouni added: “I receive a lot of support [from Burnley], whether it's from the fans, the staff I'm with every day, or the coach, who I talk to often.”
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Despite playing regularly at Benfica, a number of his appearances came off the bench.
"Regarding Benfica, a part of me remains disappointed, very disappointed. I feel like I wasn't given the chance I deserved,” Amdouni added.
"Despite limited playing time, I showed some good things. It remains a powerful experience, but I regret not winning everything there, because with the squad we had, we should have won everything.”
When asked why Amdouni didn’t make his loan permanent, he replied: “The transfer didn't happen because the [old] coach [Bruno Lage] and I didn't share the same vision. I only played one or two games in my natural position all season, without ever complaining.
"As for [Jose] Mourinho's arrival at Benfica, I was happy for my former teammates and I wish them all the best.”
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