Benteke: Villa spell ‘best time of my career’

Christian Benteke sat down with VillaTV on the club’s pre-season tour of the USA and spoke about his love for the club and its supporters, describing his stint in claret and blue as “the best time of my career”.

The striker, who spent three memorable years at Aston Villa between 2012-2015, is now in Washington, DC playing for MLS club D.C. United.

Villa are currently in the US capital on the last leg of their Premier League Summer Series, and VillaTV caught up with the Belgium international at the D.C. training facility.

Benteke scored 49 goals in 101 games for Villa, and spoke glowingly when asked how fondly he looks back on his time at the club.

He said: “It was the best time of my career, I think.

“I came from a small country, I came from Belgium at the time.

“In 2012, I was 22, I was unknown. I came with a lot of dreams to be a superstar in the Premier League.

“And I’m grateful during those three years, I had so many nice memories.

“It will always be with me.”

Benteke added: “For me, I’m so grateful because, obviously, it’s because of my time at Aston Villa, they gave me the chance to become the man I am today.

“And I will forever be grateful for the club.”

The powerful forward wasted little time endearing himself to the Villa faithful.

Having joined the club in late August 2012, he scored on his debut in a 2-0 victory over Swansea City, appearing off the bench as a second-half substitute at Villa Park.

And it remains a moment that stands out for the 32-year-old when he reflects on his Villa highlights.

“I would probably say when I signed, on my debut, I had the chance to score,” he said.

“We played at home in this game, I will always think about this first memory.”

Benteke went on to score an impressive 19 Premier League goals that season, a club record that still stands today.

It was an outstanding return as Villa finished 15^th in the top flight, with Benteke’s exploits also seeing him shortlisted for the PFA Young Player of the Year Award.

He admits the record is an “honour”, but says he wasn’t thinking about this when he joined the club from Genk.

“That’s what I’m telling you about being grateful, because at the time, when I came to Villa, I was just hoping to play my game,” he said.

“I was not thinking about breaking any records, I was just thinking about having fun and making my name in the Premier League.

“And now the fact I‘m holding this record, it’s an honour. It’s just a blessing for me.”

Having netted a total of 23 goals in his maiden season, the first player to pass the 20-goal mark in all competitions since Juan Pablo Ángel, Benteke went on to be Villa’s top scorer in the subsequent two Premier League campaigns.

He also helped fire Villa to the 2015 FA Cup final, netting in the club’s 2-1 semi-final triumph over Liverpool at Wembley.

From his superb overhead kick against Norwich City, to his devastating display at Anfield, his hat-trick against QPR at Villa Park, his curling effort at home to Manchester United and many more.

Benteke remains a fans’ favourite among Villa supporters, who have special memories of his time in B6.

Asked if he had a message for the club’s fans, Benteke was heartfelt in his response.

“Thank you for everything they’ve done for me,” he said.

“Even until today, they give me some love when I see them.

“When we play a different team in the US, Villa fans still give me some love.

“I will always be grateful for this club because if I’m known worldwide, one of the reasons is because of Aston Villa.”