By Mark Finlay
Very much to the delight of Aston Villa fans the clubs star striker has done a complete U-turn after handing in a transfer request last week he had a sit down with Villa manager Paul Lambert after which he withdrew the transfer request and extended his contract with Aston Villa until 2017.
Speaking to the Villa website Benteke said: “I spoke with the manager when I returned to training and we had a good talk.
“I am very happy to be back here in Birmingham and at Aston Villa, and to sign a new contract. This is a great club and it has given me a lot. Now I have to give back to my team-mates and the fans who have always been right behind me.”
The Belgium was crucial in Villa staying up last season scoring 19 goals that amounted to 40% of all the goals the team scored.
“It is my opinion that the best thing for Christian is to remain at Aston Villa.”
Paul Lambert saying: “The end of last season was very good and the lads were very strong. It was not easy but we came through it and the confidence is high. So everyone knows what we have to do now – be better. I need to be better than last year.”
Lambert added: “I had a full and frank discussion with Christian Benteke on his return to training this week regarding his future. It is my opinion that the best thing for Christian is to remain at Aston Villa.
“I’m delighted, having time to re-evaluate his future, Christian has decided to commit to the club. It’s a huge bonus and I’m sure the supporters are every bit as delighted as me to have him on board and raring to go.”
