Crystal Palace have announced that Christian Benteke has signed a two-year contract extension to keep him at Selhurst Park until Summer 2023.
Benteke has scored 33 goals in 146 appearances across all competitions since joining Palace from Liverpool in August 2016, having only joined the Merseyside club the previous season from Aston Villa and is Belgium’s third highest goalscorer in Premier League history with 82 goals in nine seasons.
The Belgian forward will now remain at Selhurst Park for two further seasons after signing a contract extension until June 2023.
Speaking on his decision to stay in South London for two more years after already spending five seasons based in the Capital, Benteke said: “I’m happy and proud to commit my future to Crystal Palace. Five years already and still a lot more to come.”
The 30 year-old also admitted that he cannot wait to get back to playing a full campaign in front of fans again with his teammates after playing the majority of 2020-21 season behind closed doors, adding: “We have a great group of players and staff, and I’m looking forward to the season ahead and playing in front of our fans again.”
Palace Chairman and part-owner, Steve Parish praised Benteke for his contribution to the team over the last five seasons as the club consolidated their Premier League status, whilst hailing the striker as ‘an integral part’ of the Eagles’ squad.
Parish also paid tribute to Benteke’s efforts and is delighted to retain him until summer 2023, commenting: “He is an outstanding professional and has more than proven that he still has the quality and the hunger to perform for our club at the highest level, and I couldn’t be happier to see him in red and blue for another two seasons.”
Benteke is currently with the Belgium squad as Roberto Martinez’s Red Devils look to mount a title challenge at Euro 2020, starting with a trip to Russia on Saturday 12 June exclusively live on ITV for UK audiences with the Palace striker looking to add to his 39 international caps and 16 goals.
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