Christian Benteke Outlines His Transfer Stance at Crystal Palace
By Robbie Walls
Crystal Palace striker Christian Benteke has outlined his transfer stance at the club after speculation regarding his future.
The Belgian forward reportedly had interest from Aston Villa and Tottenham in the January transfer window, as both clubs desperately sought to bolster their attacking ranks.
The reported interested may have perhaps come as a bit of a surprise to the player and the club due to the former Liverpool man's poor goalscoring record of late - he has scored just five Premier League goals in his past three seasons combined.
However, the former Villa man was a force to be reckoned with in his early Premier League career, banging 42 league goals in three seasons with the Midlands club before earning a move to Anfield.
It is perhaps this form that has kept him in the minds of other Premier League clubs - as well as a shortage of attacking options on the market, and his efficient link-up play. Despite the links to other Premier League clubs, Benteke insisted he is 'really happy' at Selhurst Park, although he is enjoying the recognition of other clubs.
In an interview with Belgian publication La Meuse, Benteke explained: "Here, people are decent: they know you’re a good player, that you can bring something extra. Everyone goes through complicated moments without it putting their value in doubt."
Despite relishing the interest of other clubs, the striker professed his loyalty to the club and his desire to remain at Selhurst, explaining: "I needed stability, especially with the kids."
While he has not been short of criticism from many pundits and fans alike in his four-year spell, it is admirable that Benteke wishes to remain loyal to a club that have stuck by him despite his goalscoring shortages.
The striker may be a crucial asset when the season resumes in Palace's quest for security from relegation.