INTERVIEW Olly thought fans’ ‘Scottish’ banner was in German!
OLIVER BURKE has insisted he has no regrets about choosing the pink jersey of Scotland over the white of England.
Born in Kirkcaldy but raised south of the border, the £13-million teenager had the choice of which of the two countries he wished to represent.
Scotland got in first, capping him at Under-19 level. But that didn’t stop the Auld Enemy launching several attempts – the latest just last month – to get him to switch before his first competitive appearance for the senior side.
“They tried and there was a little bit of persuasion. But it was never going to happen,” said Burke with a smile.
“Scotland have shown their love since I was young and, as a person and a player, I stick with what I’ve started off with.
“How could you train with a country, do sessions with them, and then all of a sudden just leave?
“To me that would feel quite disrespectful and not something I should do.
“So I didn’t even think twice. My agent knew about it for a while before me. But even he knew I was never going to be that interested in going with them.
“I got a call and it was just for me to say no, really. I am very happy here and I wouldn’t change it for the world.”
The conviction with which the RB Leipzig star made his decision is revealed by the fact he took it without even consulting the English side of his family.
“They didn’t really know about it, to be honest,” he said.
“They didn’t need to know about things like that. For me, that is my decision.
“Of course, my family might have their points of view but I know them very well and they all trust my opinion. That’s good because I not only believe I’ve made the right one, I know I have.”
Burke has their continued backing with his mother, the former gymnast Sally Rabbit Dalby, poised to move to lead the family out to Germany on a full-time basis.
“It’s been pretty crazy,” said the winger.
“We are joint top of the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich, which is very exciting. I am definitely proud to be at this club. “At the same time, the language has been tricky because I didn’t do any German in school, so I’m starting from scratch.
“I am very close to my mum. She’s like my best mate. So, obviously, it has been hard for both of us to adjust. “At least I have been busy with my football so it kind of goes out of my mind. But for her, she’s just been sat at home, nervous for me, constantly thinking about me.
“She doesn’t work any more. Thankfully I’ve managed to help her with that and that’s why they can move over, so it’s worked out well.
“We are looking at moving into a nice home just outside of Leipzig with the family and getting them over as soon as possible.
“I am very grateful to have the family I have and, in particular, for the way they have agreed to move over. I am not forcing them by any means.
“Having them in Germany will make me stronger and, through that, will make me play better.”
Not that Burke is exactly struggling at present.
He scored against Cologne on his full Bundesliga debut and has also chipped in with a couple of assists, the highlight of impressive displays.
It is a contribution which has not gone unnoticed with a growing number of saltires dotted around the ground at home games as well. Best of all, as a banner bearing the legend: “Lang May Yer Lum Reek”(long may your chimney smoke) spotted in a prominent position in the win over Werder Bremen.
“I saw it and it threw me off a bit,” admitted Oliver.
“I was looking at it thinking: ‘Is that German?’. I asked one of the boys who just said he had no idea what it meant.
“I hadn’t heard the phrase before. I’ve since learned that it’s a phrase wishing you good health.
“It did bring a smile to my face when I saw it – but at first I was quite puzzled.
“Overall the support has been great. I have seen a few Scottish flags waving around in the crowd so I appreciate that a lot. Long may it continue.”
It is a message his country, as well as his club, will echo in the months and years ahead.