The 27-year-old Dutch forward has been Burnley's standout performer this season, scoring eight goals in 22 Premier League appearances despite the club's struggle against relegation. Speaking to Voetbal International, he reflected on how far he has travelled to get here.
"Sometimes I do stop and think about it," he said.
"PEC Zwolle loaned me out to NEC, in the Keuken Kampioen Divisie. Not so long ago, I was fighting against relegation from the Eredivisie with Fortuna."
"Now I play in stadiums that I used to visit with my parents and brothers during the Christmas holidays."
Speculation over his future has grown as the season has progressed, with suggestions he could be a target for Dutch clubs this summer. Flemming addressed that directly.
"It feels a bit surreal, but the top three in the Netherlands is not a step up at the moment."
He was careful to acknowledge what would constitute an upgrade, without closing any doors entirely.
"The Champions League, competing for the title: that certainly is. But the Eredivisie offers, with all due respect, much less resistance than the Premier League. I don't know, and I'm not ruling anything out. But don't say: that is a dream move either."
His contract at Turf Moor runs until 2029. His ambition is equally long-term.
"The Premier League has left me wanting more. I would like to play there for years to come," he said.
For that to happen at Burnley, survival is essential. Scott Parker's side currently sit 10 points behind Tottenham in 17th, making relegation look likely.
If Burnley go down, Flemming's comments make one thing clear — he will be looking for another top-flight home, not a step backwards.