It’s not all too often that modern players remain classy after both coming up short at and moving on from a club, but Crystal Palace forward Christian Benteke has bucked that trend, handling himself like a consummate professional when asked about his time at Anfield.
“It was an honour to play for Liverpool, such a big club with such a big history,” the big Belgian told Sky Sports. “I didn’t play or perform as I wanted. It was my decision to go there and I don’t regret anything,” added the former Aston Villa man. “I didn’t have the chances to perform. I learned that’s football,” mused Benteke. “That is why I have no anger against anyone there.”
That, of course, may not be the case with the 25-year old not sounding too thrilled with Reds boss Jurgen Klopp in the some comments he made during the summer, but that’s all water under the bridge now. It was pretty obvious from day one that the powerful forward wasn’t part of the German’s plans when he arrived at Anfield last fall and having been used sparingly since, he time at Anfield looked numbered. But, instead of taking the low road like new Nice striker Mario Balotelli, he’s reflected inwards instead of needlessly lashing out; having bagged his first goal for the Eagles in a 2-1 win over newly promoted Middlesbrough, the 25-year old will once again be hoping to live up to his price-tag after moving to South London in a deal that could potentially rise to £32mmil, but past failures are just that — in the past.
“[The] frustration is at myself that in the short time I had to play I didn’t do it as I wanted,” explained Benteke. “Brendan [Rodgers] did everything for me to come there, then I had my injury and I couldn’t help,” added the Crystal Palace forward. “I wanted to do more.”
