Burnley have released Steven Defour from his contract.

Defour is being allowed to return to Belgium to continue his career after reaching a mutual agreement to terminate the remaining 10 months of his contract.

And while injuries limited the midfield play-maker to 58 appearances in his three years as a Claret, he leaves as a firm Burnley favourite.

“I just want to say I'm honoured to have played for Burnley Football Club," said Defour, who was the Clarets' then-record signing when he joined the club from Anderlecht in August, 2016.

“I want to thank the gaffer and his staff and the medical staff for taking care of me.

“I wish I could have shown more on the pitch, but unfortunately it wasn't meant to be. I wanted to show more, because the support was really fantastic.

“You don't really want it to end because you want to give something back for all the support I have been given. Unfortunately, things didn't work out the way I wanted them to.

“But I'm very honoured I've played for Burnley and that I've grown with this club and we made progress together.

“I hope they will remember me as a player when he was on the pitch he gave his all and tried to give some joy to the fans.

“I enjoyed every second of playing for Burnley and I will always be a fan of Burnley Football Club."