Christian Benteke has reiterated his desire to remain at Crystal Palace this summer, despite rumoured interest from the Chinese Super League.
The Belgium international forward endured a miserable campaign last season, scoring just one goal across 19 appearances in all competitions.
With his confidence in front of goal so low, speculation has ramped up that Palace could let the former Aston Villa and Liverpool man depart Selhurst Park this summer, with China a likely destination for the 28-year old.
However, the striker claims he doesn’t “want to leave like a thief”, and has reaffirmed his stance that he wants to remain a member of Roy Hodgson’s squad.
According to Walfoot, as reported by Mirror Sport, Benteke said:
I don’t want to go into details or find excuses. I wanted to force things when I wasn’t fit.
After a good season, the last two have been very complicated. I still have a contract at Crystal Palace and I plan on honouring it.
The club have been very correct with me and I don’t want to leave like a thief. China has never been an option.
The Premier League is my dream and I still want to live it.
Benteke doubled down on his determination not to move to China, commenting that he hasn’t even attempted to sound out the league with Belgium teammates and Chinese Super League players Axel Witsel and Yannick Carrasco. Beneteke said:
I’ve not even talked about the Chinese Super League with Axel Witsel and Yannick Carrasco while on international duty.
