Christian Benteke recently spoke with Crystal Palace’s website. He shared his journey from DRC as a child to heights of Anfield and beyond.
Christian Benteke said: “I came with my mum, because at that time there was war [in the Democratic Republic of the Congo] and my dad was in the military. He sent us here for safety, and then he joined us after a year or so.
“In the beginning, it was weird… because I used to be in Africa seeing a lot of young black kids. I was saying to my mum: ‘Wow, I can see young white kids.’ For me it was like something new. My mum explained it was normal.
“But I adapted quickly, because I was raised in Belgium. I started to play [football] because of my cousins; I was seeing them having fun and being happy. I wanted to join them, and that’s how I got into football. That’s how football can connect all the different countries and communities.
“Everybody thinks this is the best league in the world. There were a few players doing well – [Vincent] Kompany, [Marouane] Fellaini, [Thomas] Vermaelen. Those players were doing so well that it gave us the belief that we could do the same.
“I was at Standard Liège with Fellaini, and I saw him going to Everton… scoring goals in front of the fans with that atmosphere. I said: ‘Me too, I want the same.’
“Other players have seen me and also wanted the same. I had a chat with a few players. They asked me how the league is, and I gave them good advice.”
