“A personal decision” – Player reveals Crystal Palace exit was for himself, wanted to make choice he was ‘happy with’

Christian Benteke has revealed he left Crystal Palace this summer as he wanted to make a decision on his career that he would be ‘happy with’.

The Belgian striker joined D.C. United in a €5.46m deal in the summer, bringing an end to a six year stay at Selhurst Park.

He initially joined Crystal Palace from Liverpool in a £31.2m deal in 2016, having endured a miserable year at Anfield following a move from Aston Villa the previous year.

He would manage to give his career something of a shot in the arm during his time with the Eagles, establishing himself as a key player in several campaigns and bagging 37 goals and 12 assists in 177 games.

It had appeared likely that he would remain a part of Patrick Vieira’s squad this season, but he instead decided to depart for America when D.C. United showed an interest.

The belief was that he had left Crystal Palace for regular playing time ahead of the World Cup but when asked that very question, the striker insisted it was not the case.

“Not at all. It was a personal decision,” he told Eleven Sports, relayed by Voetbal Primeur.

“At least once in my career, I wanted to make a choice that I like, a choice that I am happy with.

“For ten years I have been a Red Devil. I’ve had great moments and not so great moments.

“I am honest with myself. If I take stock: I didn’t get many playing opportunities, while I do think I deserved more playing minutes. I didn’t make my choice at all with an eye on the Red Devils.”