Burnley signing Chris Eagles says his former Manchester United teammates understand his decision to leave Old Trafford this summer.

"They know the position I'm in because they realise now the English league can just buy foreigners in," Eagles told the Lancashire Telegraph of his ex-United colleagues.

"When they were coming through it was completely different, it was just English lads that really made Manchester United.

"But they respect me for playing.

"I know a lot of boys who've played for Arsenal and Chelsea who are in the same position as me; they're just as good to play for their sides, it's just the circumstances now of bringing foreigners in.

"But it's just the way it is. I'm here now and I want to concentrate on playing for Burnley."