Christian Benteke admits he was shocked when Sam Allardyce left Crystal Palace, but insists he has no plans to follow his former manager through the exit door.
Despite leading the Eagles to Premier League safety last season, Allardyce stunned his employers by handing in his notice shortly after the conclusion of the campaign. The former England coach claims he has no interest in taking another job, at least for now, and his decision was based purely on his desire to spend more time with his family after so many years in the game.
By this time there were already a few rumours floating around that Benteke may push for a transfer when the window reopens, as he once more looks to find his long-term desire of playing in the UEFA Champions League. However, the former Aston Villa and Liverpool striker insists he has no plans to leave Selhurst Park, despite his surprise at Allardyce leaving the club.
“It was a surprise for me,” Benteke, who became the club’s record signing when they took him from Anfield for £27million last summer, told Sky Sports News HQ about Allardyce’s decision to quit. “I was on holiday when I heard. He’s a big man, he knows what he’s doing. I’m still happy because I am playing the way I want to play and the last few weeks the team did well.”
Benteke, still only 26-years-old, had a successful debut season at Selhurst Park having scored 15 goals in 36 appearances in the Premier League. The Belgian international, who also has a healthy goalscoring rate for his country with 12 goals in 32 matches, remains under contract until the summer of 2020, and is sure to figure in the mind of the new Palace manager when appointed.
