Transfer Centre

Christian Benteke: 'I want to stay at Crystal Palace'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 30 April 2018

Christian Benteke says that he is keen to remain at Crystal Palace, despite reports suggesting that the Eagles are prepared to sell the forward in the summer.

Christian Benteke has revealed that he would like to remain at Crystal Palace, despite losing his place in the starting lineup.

Benteke has made 24 starts in the Premier League this season, but the Belgian's penalty against Leicester City at the weekend represented just his third goal of the campaign and reports have suggested that Palace may look to cash in on their record signing during the summer.

However, Benteke has indicated that he would prefer to remain at Selhurst Park and paid credit to his teammates for continuing to support him during a disappointing period in front of goal.

The 27-year-old is quoted by Sky Sports News as saying: "I'm under contract until 2020, so I want to stay here. I'm going to speak to the chairman (Steve Parish) and the club about what they want to do with me. At the end of every season, you have to speak, to see the plan for the next season. To speak, to see what they want to do with me.

"They saw the best of me last season, and I wanted to do even better this season, but it didn't work like that and I will go again next season. It's been frustrating because it's the first time that's happened to me.

"The squad is all behind me because they know that it's not the best time for me, and it's the first time I've been through this hard time without scoring. They wanted to give me a big boost."

Benteke has netted a total of 18 goals in 65 Premier League appearances since Palace paid Liverpool £27m for his signature in 2016.