Benteke still dreams of big club success after Crystal Palace move

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The Beligan striker is still hopeful of succeeding at the top level following his move from Liverpool.

Christian Benteke says he still harbours dreams of playing for a big club but insists he is happy to have joined Crystal Palace, the Daily Mail has reported.

The striker arrived at Selhurst Park earlier in the summer for a fee of £32 million, bringing an end to what was a largely disappointing spell on Merseyside.

The Belgium international reportedly had a number of other options available before finally signing on with the Eagles, with the promise of regular football under boss Alan Pardew proving too tempting to turn down.

But while delighted by the prospect of playing regular football once again, he admits that he still wants to be playing at the highest level possible, but insists he is focused on ensuring his time in South London is successful.

According to the Daily Mail, Benteke said: “Crystal Palace is a good step for me. I am now on a team that might not have the same ambitions as Liverpool, but I can play well and can show me every weekend.

“Of course my dream continues to break through to play at a big club and in European competitions. But I did not go to Palace with the idea to perform and then move on after one season.

“I really want to show what I can do this season. I had the chance to call and talk in advance with Alan Pardew. He knows my qualities and, although I had hardly played, I knew I had a good pre-season behind me at Liverpool and would not need much time before I was ready to play.”

Having scored 42 goals in 89 games for Aston Villa, Benteke enjoyed a somewhat underwhelming spell at Anfield after being brought in by previous Reds boss Brendan Rodgers.

And he claims his inability to fit into the tactical system of Jurgen Klopp means he was unlikely to turn it around, although he admits he has to take some responsibility.

“I did not fit the tactical system of the new coach,” he added. “That was not easy mentally because I was left to fight a losing battle. But I must not look for excuses. I could also have done better in those few minutes I got. I have not performed as expected.”