Striker admits he’d never have signed for Liverpool had he known he wasn’t first choice
Liverpool star Christian Benteke has admitted he would have never signed for the club had he known he wasn’t going to be first-choice striker.
The Belgian international, who is currently away on international duty, has been talking about his career with countrymen Eden Hazard and Marouane Fellaini, and he’s also admitted in an interview that he would have never signed for the Reds had he known.
Liverpool splashed ÂŁ32.4million on Benteke, signing him from Aston Villa, but following the dismissal of Brendan Rodgers, the striker has found himself on the bench for the majority of the season.
Jurgen Klopp has opted to go with Roberto Firmino and Divock Origi as his striker, and was even seen yelling at Benteke on the pitch after the 3-2 defeat to Southampton.
Talking about his Liverpool struggles, Benteke has admitted he would never have signed for them had he known he wasn’t first choice.
Benteke Admission
“I’ve talked with Eden Hazard and Marouane Fellaini and they all answered the same: if a coach does not count on you, you can’t do a lot about it,” he said.
“What’s annoying me the most, is that I would have never signed for Liverpool if I wasn’t the manager’s first choice.
“Everything was there to play a good season at a big club. And it started well …
“I am the first to admit that I haven’t shown enough my worth for a team like Liverpool. On the other hand, under Brendan Rodgers, I knew I would get the opportunity to show my qualities, to show that I was worth the money and that I deserved to wear the shirt of Liverpool. But now…
“The last few weeks I am physically and mentally okay. Since I went to England in 2012 I’ve never been on the bench for such a long period. It hurts, especially since I never was as fit as now.
“That’s why I try to grab my chance when I get five or ten minutes playing time. I don’t won’t people to blame me for a lack of professionalism.
“Even my father, who initially was worried about my status, told me that I can’t do a lot about my situation.”
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt
