Burgess says his farewells
Burgess departs after five years but has nothing but praise for Blues
CHRISTIAN BURGESS reflected on a memorable five seasons at Pompey and insisted: It has been a pleasure.
The 28-year-old will today begin training with new club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise after departing Fratton Park on a free transfer.
With his arrival in Belgium delayed following the Blues’ play-off participation, he has now linked up with the club which snapped him up on a three-year deal plus an option.
After joining Pompey from Peterborough in June 2015, Burgess went on to make 210 appearances and score 12 goals.
He was also named The News/Sports Mail’s Player of the Season for the 2019-20 campaign which would prove to be his last.
However, the central defender revealed he was ready to make the move abroad to test himself in another country.
Burgess told The News : ‘I just felt it was the right time to go.
‘I’ve had a wonderful five years and fancied a new challenge and a new adventure. They are my genuine feelings.
‘The club and Mark Catlin were really, really supportive of that, there has been no bad blood at all, I really wanted to try to get us promoted.
‘Now I really want us to achieve it next year.
‘For me, it has been a pleasure. I have been privileged with how I have been handled in my five years and thank everyone for that as well.
‘Apart from one year, we have made the play-offs every season or got promoted, so plenty has happened along the way. It has been amazing being part of the city and such a big football club with the history of Pompey. I leave on amicable terms – I just felt it was time for a new challenge.’
During Burgess’ time at Fratton Park, Pompey won the League Two title and Checkatrade Trophy.
They also lost in three playoff semi-finals, most recently at Oxford United on Monday night, when they were eliminated on penalties.
On that occasion, Burgess was named Blues skipper in the league and play-offs for the first time during his five-year stay.
It proved to be his final outing, spoiling the dream finale of a Wembley final.
Yet the former Middlesbrough man can look back on his Fratton Park career with much satisfaction.
He added: ‘My favourite memory is a toss up between winning at Wembley and promotion from League Two.
‘Getting promoted from League Two meant more, it was the lifting of that pressure and the sense of relief when it was achieved.
‘But the sheer occasion at Wembley in front of all those fans in the Checkatrade Trophy final was really, really special.
‘They are the top two by a mile.’