From Portsmouth favourite to Union St Gilloise legend: Christian Burgess to leave Union St Gilloise as an all time great despised by opposition fans | OneFootball

Christian Burgess is set to leave Union St Gilloise as the player and the club could not agree a new contract. The former Portsmouth defender leaves the club after six years as a club legend and a fan favourite. Since joining the club, Burgess has been a key player in helping the side return to the top flight of Belgian football and win two cups and one league title. His departure will be a sad one for fans of Union St Gilloise, who have a great affinity for the veteran English defender who has connected with the club on a deeper level. However, fans of other Belgian sides will be glad to see the back of Burgess. His style of play has certainly caused frustration amongst other fan bases who have seen him more as a villain than a hero.

H0wever, no one can deny that Burgess epitomises the rise of Union in recent years. After 210 appearances for Portsmouth between 2015 and 2020, Burgess left for the second tier of Belgian football. Very few players would make such a move, but Burgess did. Union saw him as a leader, and the defender quickly became one on and off the pitch. During his first season the side won promotion back to the Pro League, before then competing for the titles ever since making it back. Last season they ended a century long wait for a title, having also won the cup the year before. He leaves having helped Union win another domestic cup this season, overcoming Anderlecht in the final.

There will likely be sides interested in Burgess in Belgium, and he has already stated he would only join a club that aligns with his political views. Given that he is still able to operate at a high level and has played European football, other sides will certainly be interested. Perhaps a return to his former club Portsmouth? Nothing has been rumoured yet, but whatever happens, Burgess will forever be remembered by Union fans as a winner and a club legend. Very few English footballers can say that they have achieved such a status with a club outside of England.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson