Foster joined the Clarets from Belgian outfit Westerlo in the January window and was on target in the 3-0 win against Wigan in March. The 22-year-old struggled with his mental health after leaving South Africa to pursue a career in Europe. In a brave interview with radio station MSW, Foster spoke about one of his darkest points while playing for Westerlo.
Lyle Foster said: “I was in my apartment all by myself. I realised I just felt this huge sense of loneliness. I felt like I couldn’t really express myself with all of my team-mates. It was a lot more difficult to be around them and do things footballers are supposed to do. I just used to try and go to training, play games and honestly the best thing to do at that time of my life was to go back home and sleep. There was no real excitement or looking forward to anything. That’s when I realised I was in some trouble and I panicked a little bit. I didn’t know what was going on or how to deal with it because it was the first time I was in a position like that.”
Foster admitted he had even considered taking his own life at his lowest point.
Thankfully, the young forward is in a much better place now and says he wakes up “grateful” every day.
He hailed Burnley assistant Craig Bellamy – who has also opened up about his own mental health battles in the past – for his support.
Lyle Foster added: “I’ve got heaps of support. I’ve got family and friends who love me for who I am and that’s more that any human can ask for. The position I’m in as a Burnley player, to be preparing for my first season in the Premier League is something I have dreamed of my whole life. I’m smiling again. I’m happy to be around my team-mates and happy to be on the field. Thanks to the coach, Craig, who has been a massive help and the club as a whole, who have opened up and spoken to me about it. They have helped me tremendously and have my best interests at heart. I wake up every day grateful, ready to go to training and give my best.”
